Bristol Life - Issue 337

HERD ISSUE 337 / JULY 2023 / £3

ISSUE 337 / JULY 2023 / BOATS ETC

mentality HORNS APLENTY – IT’S TIME TO MEET THE UNICORNS

NAUTICAL AND NICE

HARBOURFEST 2023: ALL THE INFO

RESTORATION DRAMAS CINE-GEEKS OF BRISTOL REJOICE

COOLER SHAKER

IT’S COCKTAIL HOUR SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD

ALL ABOUT THE BASS

GROOVERIDER + FABIO X OUTLOOK ORCHESTRA

’ARK AT ’EE

FISHIES ON DISHIES AT NOAH’S

EDITOR’S LETTER

W

10 Mane attraction

In mythology, a unicorn’s horn had the power to heal sickness: an appropriate choice of beast, then, for Bristol’s newest public art trail, which aims to raise funds for Leukaemia Care

e’re heading inexorably into the dog days of summer now; traditionally, the time of year when many cities take their foot off the gas and slow the pace right down.

Bristol, however, does not aappear ppear to have received the memo. Festival season continues apace, there are some fabulous outdoor gigs coming up, and for those who prefer to take their culture indoors, maybe with a side order of popcorn or those little pots of ice-cream with splintery sticks, the excellent Cinema Rediscovered returns this month.

The event includes a celebration of Bristol-born director J. Lee Thomson, including a screening of his 1956 classic Yield to the Night starring the underrated Diana Dors – a West Country girl, incidentally. More on page 22.

All in all, there were plenty of events competing for our front cover spot this issue, but ultimately we had to go with Unicornfest. This year’s public art trail has seen 60 ‘life-sized’ sculptures of unicorns released into the wild – hopefully raising a small fortune for Leukaemia Care in the process as well as celebrating the 650th anniversary of Bristol as a city.

If you sliced open a unicorn (please don’t, the organisers are having enough trouble with people damaging all the horns) you’d find “Bristol’ running through it like a stick of rock. Not only are unicorns an emblem of the city, featuring on its coat of arms, but each sculpture has been painted by a local artist.

Seek them out, give them a little pat and maybe make a donation; you can admire the full herd and discover their whereabouts on page 10. Gotta catch them all . . .

So, that’s me done for another three weeks. Time for something cool, fruity and alcoholic in a glass; so unless I get a better offer in the next ten minutes, I’m heading straight over to page 48 . . .

DERI ROBINS Bristol Life editor Follow us on

@BristolLifeMag;

@BristolLifeMag

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

6

Issue 337 / July 2023 ON THE COVER The unicorns are here! They’re tricky critters to catch, but we’ve rounded up the full herd for you on pages 10-13

ARTS & FESTIVALS

10 UNICORNFEST We’re proud to have a mythical beastie on

the Bristol coat of arms

14 HARBOURFEST Know what else we’re proud of ? This . . .

18 WHAT’S ON nd if unicorns and boats don’t oat your, ell, 22 30 34 39

boat, there’s lenty of other stuff going on, too ust look at the bumper arts section in this issue!

FILM Di another day; and other Cinema Rediscovered highlights MUSIC This is precisely the summer groove we need HEROES Turn to face the ch-ch-changes BOOKS “ ne of the true oys of bookselling is hen someone comes into the sho and you can ust tell they need something deeply weird,” is our quote of the issue

FOOD & DRINK 42 RESTAURANT oah’s

for driving directions

e recommend it ust don’t ask us

44 FOOD AND DRINK NEWS Four openings and a closure 47 CAFÉ SOCIETY Parklife paradise 48 COCKTAILS There’s more to summer spirits than G&Ts

34

and Aperol, you know

SHOPPING

54 ED’S CHOICE It’s going to be a cool, cool summer, as

Bananarama almost sang. And probably will, at Valley Fest next month

NETWORK

66 BRISTOL LIFE BUSINESS CLUB uccession

drama, but with apples

ithout the

80

69 BUSINESS PROFILE The createch revolution 71 BUSINESS NEWS Stories making the headlines

PROPERTY

80 SHOWCASE Let’s move to the country, but let’s do it

mid-century-style

REGULARS

6 SPOTLIGHT 9 BRIZZOGRAM 90 BRISTOL LIVES Jane Guy

Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond 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 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 and Bristol. 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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© IT V

SPOTLIGHT Joe, Ruby, Totterdown; Bristol on a stick

Art

DESIGN FOR LIFE

TV

JAYDE SPEAKING She’s back! Jayde Adams – comedian, actor, singer, dancer, writer, you name it, and poster girl for the Bristol accent – is currently bringing joy to our TV screens in new sitcom Ruby Speaking, described by co-star Joe Sims as “a bloody lovely massive hug of a show”.

Co-created by Jayde, the show is based at fictional call centre ellocom, here the warm-hearted Ruby tries to look out for clients and colleagues at the risk of getting the sack, while running a choir for which she has zero

enthusiasm. The series was partly inspired by Jayde’s time working at a centre in Stokes Croft; among the cast are Bristol actors who answered o en casting ad erts uch of the filming took place in Totterdown, and there’s a fun drinking game to be had in spotting local references – one shot for Thatchers, one for Thekla, The Old Duke, Joe’s Bristol Boys Make More Noise T-shirt – and one character’s ba ing a ersion to the hrase cheers drive. You what, love?

Ruby Speaking, ITVX; www.itv.com

Books

AUTHOR, AUTHOR In a major literary coup, Gloucester Road Books will be welcoming one of the most celebrated authors of the 21st century, when Zadie Smith pitches up on 7 September to introduce her new novel The Fraud It’s adie’s first book in seven years – that’s almost Donna Tartt-level tardiness, Zadie! – and her a earance in Bristol is one of only fi e in the Based around the controversial Tichburne Trials of 1873, The Fraud is a broad sweep of a novel which lays bare the deluded pretence of ictorian ngland adie ill be discussing the book ith ni ersity of Bristol academic rofessor adhu rishnan at he ictoria ooms appropriately, the city’s quintessential 19th-century venue. www.gloucesterroadbooks.com

Activity

BRANCH MANAGERS

Opening in mid-July, just in time to wear the kids out during the school holidays, comes Tree Tops at Ashton Court – a new attraction from Adventure Bristol, who have run Leap of Faith up at Wild Place for the past nine years.

The new woodland experience is set in the summerhouse plantation above Ashton Court’s ansion ouse, and offers a range of alk ays, nets, zip lines, axe throwing and other challenges for anyone aged seven and upwards. www.adventurebristol.co.uk

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

A design by Spike Island artist Valda Jackson has been chosen by the Royal Mint to feature on a 50p coin, to mark the 75th anniversary of the HMT Empire Windrush’s arrival in the UK. The coin forms part of The Royal Mint’s commitment to championing diversity and inclusion. Valda’s design shows two smartly dressed people of the Windrush generation, standing against a backdrop of the Union Jack; a tribute to the many British Caribbean and Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK between 1948 and 1973.

“It’s more than a celebration of one moment, it is an acknowledgment of the real, lived experience of generations of ordinary working people,” says Valda, who was born in Jamaica and moved to England in 1964 at the age of five.

“Though we may have struggled, and we still struggle in so many ways, we and our descendants are, in fact, at home. And this is what the image – these figures and the added Union Jack – represents.

“I am very happy to have my design selected for this coin, which honours our parents and their legacy; and which celebrates our presence, achievements, and contributions that continue to enrich our society.”

You can buy the coin here: www.royalmint.com

SPOTLIGHT

COSTUME DRAMAS The colours! The music and dance! The outfits!

The tastes and smells! St Pauls Carnival, we’ve missed the multi-sensory joy and energy you bring to the city each summer – welcome back!

@craigderrick40

@threestopdrive

@dont4gettthesun

@pod16

@matthewpriceartist

@threestopdrive

@craigderrick40

@nati0189

@alessandro._.r

@fifi_powell

@alessandro._.r

@visitbristol

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

ATTIC TREASURE Artist: Natasha Tallon Where: IKEA, Eastgate Road

(DON’T FEAR) THE REAPER Artist: Ejits Where: The Galleries, Broadmead

AMBITION OF BRISTOL Artist: Emma Elena Mihai Where: Bristol Cathedral, College Green

FREYA Artist: Angus Where: M Shed, Princes Wharf

COCO THE PANDICORN Artist: Shilpi Sharma Where: Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Wraxall

HORNS APLENTY

The summer of unicorns is upon us . . .

B RIVERFIELD / R.ESET Artist: EPOD Where: Mall at Cribbs Causeway (outside Boots)

ristol is partial to a public art trail. It’s had gorillas. It’s had Gromits (twice) and Shauns; recently it’s had painted globes, courtesy of The World Reimagined. But up until now it’s never had unicorns – perhaps surprisingly, given that the mythical beast is an emblem of the city and appears on the Bristol coat of arms. hat deficiency is being remedied this month, hen a trail of unicorns (billed as ‘life-sized’, which we kind of love) painted by Bristol artists can be seen prancing through Bristol and the South West, from Clifton Suspension Bridge to Weston-Super-Mare pier. It’s partly to mark the th anni ersary of Bristol as a city, but it’s also ery much in aid of eukaemia are, ho ho e to ull off the same money making feat as The Grand Appeal, who’ve raised a small fortune through their Aardman trails, auctions and donations.

As this magazine goes to press, the trail has been well and truly launched ith a fe horns already broken off, annoyingly) Here’s the herd in all its glory, with the names of the artists and here to find them head to the ebsite for ma s and a s PS Leave the damn horns alone. n www.theunicornfest.co.uk

ROARSOME Artist: Paula Bowles Where: Windmill City Farm, Philip Street

BE MAGICAL BRIZZLE Artist: Amy Magee Forge & Fern, Staple Hill

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

GUARDIAN OF THE FOREST Artist: Farrah Fortnam Where: Clifton Suspension Bridge (city end)

UWECORN Artist: Chloe Tyler Where: Bristol Aquarium, Anchor Road

HUBOOICORN Artist: Abdel Toure Where: Finzels Reach, Old Temple Street

HONEY BEES Artist: Jasmine Coe Where: One College Square South

UNICORNS

MASH UP BRISTOL Artist: Silent Hobo Where: St Werburgh’s City Farm, Watercress Road

GRACIE Artist: Kim Reed Where: Corner of Badminton Road and Cleve Road, Downend,

BRIZZLEICONS Artist: CockDicks Where: Cabot Circus (near info booth)

BUTTERFLY CONCERTO Artist: Cheba Where: St Mary Redcliffe, Redcliffe Way

SILENCE PROVOKES Artist: Emma Blake Morsi Where: Trinity Centre, Trinity Road

SLIMYCORN Artist: Guts Where: We The Curious, Anchor Road

SWEET DREAMS Artist: Hannah Worsley Where: Bakehouse at Cakesmiths, Philip’s Road

BABBER Artist: Inkie Where: CJ Hole, Whiteladies Road

UNICORN ON THE COB Artist: Emma Barnie Where: Castle Park, Wine Street

GEMINI’S NEBULA Artist: Laura Erveti Where: Brandon Hill Park, Great George Street

BRISTOL BLUE Artist: Sarah Jane Grace Where: Blaise Castle House Museum, Henbury Road

SO ABOVE, SO BELOW, SO WITHIN, SO WITHOUT Artist: Michelle Curtis Where: Wake the Tiger, Albert Road

MIKE THE MICROBIAL UNICORN Artist: Emma Burleigh Where: Riverside Garden Centre, Clift House Road

BLOOMING GORGEOUS Artist: Mary Price Where: Cheddar Gorge and Caves, (by waterfall)

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

UNICORNS

GOLDIE HORN Artist: Jenny Urquhart Where: Puxton Park, Weston-super-Mare

HARRY UNIKANE Artist: Silent Hobo Where: Hayes Way, Patchway

BROADMEAD DAISY Artist: Sandra Emmel Where: Broadmead (Galleries entrance)

MELANIN Artist: Keyane Where: Brunel Square, Gas Ferry Road

CARNI Artist: Ella-Mia Grant Where: St Paul’s Learning Centre, Grosvenor Road

HEIDI PLAINESITE Artist: Leylah Morsey Where: Mall at Cribbs Causeway (outside John Lewis)

NOVA Artist: Talora Welsh Where: Sainsburys, Gloucester Road

LEILA Artist: Lucas Antics Where: Sea Walls Viewpoint, Circular Road

HOME Artist: Holy Moly Where: Victoria Square, Clifton

OLD CITY NEW POTENTIAL Artist: Oshii Where: The Galleries, Broadmead

THE WILD BUNCH Artist: Natalie Naumann Where: Cabot Circus

GLOW WITH THE FLOW Artist: Hazard One Where: Temple Quay, Redcliffe,

GUARDIAN OF THE OCEAN Artist: Farrah Fortnam Where: Millennium Promenade

THE GREAT WAVE OF BRISTOL HARBOUR Artist: Conrico Steez Where: Cabot Circus

UKUPHILISA AMANZI Artist: Susannah Peacock Where: West Country Water Park, Bradley Stoke

FLO Artist: Nicola Scott Where: Salt & Malt Café, Chew Stoke

CHARLIE Artist: Jess Massam Where: 100 Gloucester Road

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

NEVIL Artist: Jayde Perkin Where: Gloucestershire County Cricket Club

FACES OF THE CITY Artist: Jasmine Thompson Where: Desklodge, 2 Redcliffe Way

GREEN KING Artist: Zase Where: North Street Green, North Street

IRENE Artist: Silent Hobo Where: Memorial Stadium, Filton Avenue

LUNARCORN Artist: Amy Magee Where: IKEA, Eastgate Road

NEURO-DISCO-CORN Artist: Kazz Hollick Where: Clifton Suspension Bridge (Leigh Woods end)

RISA Artist: Kate Elkington Where: RWA, Queens Road

PEEK A BOO LOU LOU! Artist: Maureen La Frenais Where: Ashton Gate Stadium

DANCE DANCE DANCE Artist: Zoë Power Where: RWA, Queens Road POPCORN Artist: Paula Bowles Where: Clifton Observatory

SANDY Artist: Paula Bowles Where: Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare TIME TRAVELLING ODYSSEY 2187 Artist: Alpha Wilson Where: Temple Meads Station GERTY THE PUNKICORN Artist: Alistair Flindall Where: Tobacco Factory, Raleigh Road

BRISTOL KISS Artist: Emma Catherine Where: Ashton Court Estate

PHOENIX Artist: Jayde Perkin Where: Victoria Rooms, Queens Road

THE GOLDEN UNICORN Artist: Bo Lanyon Where: Welsh Back

STAR-HOPPER Artist: Marta Zubieta Where: Airhop, Patchway Trading Estate

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

WATER WORLD Dance, music, food, demos, circus – Bristol Harbour Festival is so much more than an annual treat for flotilla fanciers…

B

ristol owes the Harbour Festival more than you might realise. Launched in 1971, the inaugural fest was held with the aim of highlighting the importance of the historic docks to the city and preventing them being filled in an ambition it largely fulfilled he first festi al as, erha s unsur risingly, almost exclusively about boats. But since then it’s grown into a gurt big eclectic summer party that takes over most of the city centre, from Underfall Yard to Queen Square, in a free three-day celebration of music, dance, circus, street food, daredevil waterfront stunts and yeah, boats. So, if you’re planning to mosey on down to join the 250,000 or so visitors, what should you do and where should you go?

We’ve broken it down into the six main zones.

1 ON THE WATER

Boats ots and lots of boats from historic shi s to gin alaces that make you ant to rush out and buy a lottery ticket from the intage oating fire engine Pyronaut to boats made out of cardboard. e cardboard he most antici ated boat race of the year is the cardboard boat race, and the best place to enjoy it is Prince Street Bridge, from which you can watch amateur shipbuilders set sail in vessels they’ve made themselves. The event is run in support of the My Future My Choice Learning Ships project, and out of the few

HARBOURFEST homemade boats hich manage to reach the finish line ithout dissol ing it’s a battle of fast or ounder’ the fastest ill be declared the winner. The commentary is invariably as diverting as the spectacle.

Then there are the ooh-ah stunts. Not all heroes wear capes, although star yboarder ames rest ood has been kno n to a ear in a Spiderman costume. That said, last year he took his girlfriend for a ride in a tux, so expect the unexpected.

2 QUEEN SQUARE

Traditionally the home of the festival’s food and shopping stalls, with the odd small stage, Queen Square is upping its Harbourfest game considerably this year, becoming the Music Quarter and the site of the main stage eadlining in all their amboyant, se uinned, lycra clad glory is 10-piece Bristol band Doreen Doreen, who’ll be bringing us all the covers. Set lists across the weekend have been curated by arbour esti al legend, ony Ben amin no single erson

HARBOURFEST has helped shape the sound of the festival more than Tony, who’s been programming stages here for two decades; expect glitz, glamour and trail-blazing bangers on Friday night, mixed with the latest and greatest talents from Access Creative College.

Da Fuchaman’s Fire Blaze Band are the latest national stars to emerge from Bristol’s reggae scene on aturday they’ll be filing the Square with feelgood messages of love and positivity. Bristol songstress Lady Nade will serenade festivalgoers on Sunday, her rich and soulful oice effortlessly ea ing indie folk into a classic mericana sound

3 LLOYD’S AMPHITHEATRE

AKA Harbour View, at least for the duration of the festival, with the food court ser ing ictuals to the soundtrack of stellar tunes from Access Creative College, Ujima Radio and BCFM Radio. Getting the Friday night party started will be Bristol four-piece powerhouse Booty Bass, follo ed by iolin and hi ho mogul ike ennis on aturday and on Sunday – fresh from Glastonbury! – The Bristol Reggae Orchestra and Windrush Choir. It’s the ideal place to dance or chill ith one eye on the maritime magic taking lace on the ater, hile safely removed from the splash zone.

4 MILLENNIUM SQUARE

he elli hack takes o er illennium uare, ro iding chillout beach-bar vibes with an acoustic music set list brought to you by the team at Jelli Records. Bristol-based neo-soul band Cheritang are set to bring passionate music and a seamless blend of smooth and chilled tones with a captivating jazz twist, a further abundance of Bristol talent will perform in the Square, while festivalgoers can have a go on the dodgems.

“Not all superheroes wear capes, although James Prestwood has been known to don a Spiderman costume” 5 COLLEGE GREEN

Behold the Circus Playground. Cirque Bi ou’s high ying team ill bring their tricks and tra e es you can e en get stuck into the action yourself and learn some aerial action, juggling, plate-spinning and diabolo skills at ircomedia’s circus taster orksho s here are also nine holes to lay at Bristol’s hackily onderful he ra y Golf Company, on a course made from recycled materials. And somehow, health and safety have thus far failed to thwart the sport of baby racing, in which tots compete in a gentle crawl; the main fun, of course, lies in deciding which parents are the most competitive.

6 UNDERFALL YARD

Underfall Yard will be open until late in this unique corner of the Floating Harbour, throwing a party for all while raising funds for the Yard’s Fire Recovery Fund, to rebuild the historic orksho s lost in the recent fire here’ll be a BB , and a bar selling cocktails and beer from Bristol Beer actory at Live @ the Yard the stage will host and eclectic mix of local artists, from live DJ sets to shanty crews, blues bands and guest appearances from the yard’s resident poets. ou can e en try your hand at nautical knots and have a go at lifting cargo … n For more: www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk Not a bird, not a plane, just flyboarder James Prestwood doing his thing

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

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’ 14 July-4

August 2023

Dancehall days, love: it’s only superstar Sean Paul at Siren!

EXHIBITIONS Until 16 July

MADE IN BRITAIN Rare and sought-after works by some of the most in uential home grown artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, including a id ockney, racey min and amien irst hiddengallery.co.uk

Until 23 July

STREET LIFE An urban-themed exhibition of work by RWA Academicians, com lementing Found City, Lost Objects, at rwa.org.uk

Until 31 July

BEYOND SUBMERGENCE orld first, , s ft exhibition, curated by award-winning art collecti e uidsou , transforming Propyard into a journey through light, s ace and sound beyondsubmergence.com

Until 30 August

FOUND CITIES, LOST OBJECTS: WOMEN IN THE CITY Curated by Turner Prize-winner ubaina imid, this rts ouncil ollection exhibition ex lores modern city life from a female ers ecti e, from safety and na igation to belonging and o er t rwa.org.uk

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Until 8 September

RENE MATIC: A GIRL FOR THE LIVING ROOM n intimate ortrait of Bristol riter, erformer and theatremaker ra is laban a martinparrfoundation.org

QUENTIN BLAKE: DRAWN TO WATER eimagine the onder of etlands and nature through the eyes of the ’s best lo ed illustrator at limbridge all summer wwt.org.uk

Until 10 September

Until 1 October

MAKING THE CITY HOME xhibition of textiles sho casing the isual stories of omen ho ha e made Bristol their home t rwa.org.uk THE CAVE ART OF LASCAUX te back , years in time and isit the tone ge ca e art of ascaux in immersi e t Bristol useum rt allery bristolmuseums.org.uk EXCEPT THIS TIME NOTHING RETURNS FROM THE ASHES ne film commission by smaa ama, de elo ed in collaboration with artist and costume designer ouled hmed hot in ddis baba, the film follo s ghostly, glitchy resences haunting a city at ike Island spikeisland.org.uk HARMONYCRUMB ne commission by lo Brooks ex loring trans and gender nonconforming histories through ainting and assemblage at ike Island spikeisland.org.uk

THREADS: BREATHING STORIES INTO MATERIALS a or ne exhibition featuring contem orary international artists and makers, ho use textiles as their chosen medium, at rnolfini arnolfini.org.uk BRISTOL 650 TRAIL otta s ot them all a ne trail to celebrate years of Bristol history, through ob ects on dis lay at hed bristolmuseums.org.uk

SHOWS

Until 15 July

THE CHERRY ORCHARD Bristol chool of cting’s graduating students take on hekho ’s dee ly symbolic, tragi comic master iece a o erful e ocation of a orld on the brink of immense social change t , tobaccofactorytheatres.com STRICTLY BALLROOM he musical based on the Ba urhmann mo ie of the same

name sho s us its mo es at Bristol i odrome atgtickets.com TAM LIN RETOLD fresh take on the folk ballad art sung, art told, a tale of oison, luck and changing sha e, by Irish British local erformance storyteller orinne, at lma a ern almatavernandtheatre.co.uk TENANTS his hat heatre’s debut iece ex lores housing anxiety, ca italist absurdity and the mouldy miscellany of mycelia ho kno s arty ith mould might be the best night of your life t B bristololdvic.org.uk

Until 12 August

MUPPETS DO A MOVIE Another chance to see The ardrobe’s lo fi action thriller arody ith big laughs, lastic machine guns and a glamorous talking ig thewardrobetheatre.com

16 July

SOMETHING RHYMES WITH PURPLE? urtful h sorry, that as ika at ounds his one’s a sho based on yles Brandreth and usie ent’s podcast, in which they bring their infectious lo e of ords to the stage Bristol ld ic’s) bristololdvic.org.uk

WHAT’S ON

19-20 July

BIRTHMARKED Back at BOV: Brook Tate’s concept gig telling tells his own story: a young gay Jehovah’s Witness comings to terms ith his sexuality and finding his feet (and high heels) in a world he once believed would be destroyed at Armageddon; bristololdvic.org.uk

24-29 July

THE MOUSETRAP The Christie classic has been running for 70 years, and now it’s coming to Hippodrome. Don’t know who dunnit? We do. Send £100 in unmarked notes to Bristol Life main o ce or e’ll s ill the beans atgtickets.com

31 July-5 August

42ND STREET Come and meet those dancing feet in this larger-than-life celebration of musicals and the spirit of Broadway, at Hippodrome; atgtickets.com

COMEDY Ongoing

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

16 July

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: So good, they named them twice: Doreen Doreen, at Harbourfest;

Paul, George, Ringo and John, as absolutely nobody ever called them; rush to book your tickets for Chicken Run at the Summer Screenings; Blake’s progess, at Slimbridge

IVO GRAHAM: ORGANISED FUN & STEVE BUGEJA: SELFDOUBT (I THINK) Chucklebusters present a pair of work-in-progress acts, as Ivo and Steve test their comedy chops on audiences ahead of the Edinburgh Fringe; at The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

17 July

LARRY DEAN & JONNY PELHAM: OPTIMISM OVER DESPAIR More Chucklebusters LOLS, see left; at The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

21 July

JOSH BERRY: SEXUAL POLITICS Plenty of characters and impressions as Josh wades through the two topics that preoccupy him most: sex and politics. At 1532; chucklebusters.com

23 July

PIERRE NOVELLIE: WHY ARE YOU LAUGHING? & BILAL ZAFAR: IMPOSTER Pierre and Bilal are at Wardrobe for Chucklebusters, gauging which work-in-progress bits make us laugh (or not); thewardrobetheatre.com

24 July

SPENCER JONES: ANOTHER WORK-IN-PROGRESS & MAT EWINS’ TECH EXPERIMENTS See above, etc etc, Chucklebusters, etc etc, at Wardrobe, etc; thewardrobetheatre.com

30 July

PADDY YOUNG: HUNGRY, HORNY, SCARED & ED NIGHT: LOVE AND MERCY Yet more of the above, at Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

31 July

CHLOE PETTS: IF YOU CAN’T SAY ANYTHING NICE & ED NIGHT: SELF-HELPLESS And so it continues; at Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

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

WHAT’S ON FROM ABOVE: Threads opens at Arnolfini; Ivo wants to see which bits make you LOL at Chucklebusters; Craig Charles brings the beats to Propyard

MUSIC

See also Festivals

29 July

CRAIG CHARLES Groove to the mesmerizing beats of the legendary Craig as he takes over Propyard Courtyard; propyard.co.uk BOOTY BASS A collective of female and nonbinary DJs playing bass that runs through your body down to your booty; Trinity; trinitybristol.org.uk

1 August

STEVE VON TILL Steve brings his haunting hybrid of folk songs, ambient rural psychedelia and expansive gothic Americana to Trinity; trinitybristol. org.uk

FESTIVALS Ongoing

BRISTOL FILM FESTIVAL The year-round fest with the something-for-everyone remit; ri olfil i al. o

rchestra on the th see age ), with Sean Paul bringing the ultimate dancehall set on the th ki l . o

OTHER

Until 16 September

BRISTOL’S SUMMER FILM TAKEOVER x lore the city through a different lens with this takeover from Bristol’s UNESCO City of Film; ri ol i o l . o.uk

2-5 August

CIDER SALON BRISTOL A week of talks, tastings, label art exhibitions and dinners at indie venues all based around the locally beloved amber nectar; i r alon. o.uk

3-6 August

VALLEY FEST The best-tasting, family-friendly, food and music fest in the West is back at Chew Valley Lake – go on, get on their land! all . ik .o

22-23 July

UNICORN FEST The new public art trail sees a herd of unicorns prancing across the city, painted by Bristol artists; see them all on page 10; uni orn . o.uk

FAB: THE BEATLES WEEKEND They may only have been together for seven years but we still can’;t get enough of them. Two days of special Fab Four events at Redgrave in tandem with Slapstick; if you’re a super-fan you can buy a weekend pass; r gra ar. o

14-16 July

23 July

Until 3 September

BRISTOL HARBOUR FEST The one with the boats – and the rest. All the highlights on page 14; ri ol ar our i al. o.uk

26-30 July

CINEMA REDISCOVERED Cinephile’s delight: digital restorations, contemporary classics and film rint rarities see age a r . o.uk

29 July

HOSPITALITY ON THE HARBOUR Back at Lloyd’s for a second year with more high-energy vibes: DJ and record producer Wilkinson headlines along with many d’n’b all-stars; la . o.uk

27-28 July

SIREN BRISTOL Two stellar night; Fabio & Grooverider collab with Outlook

BRISTOL TRANSATLANTIC SLAVERY WALK Ongoing tour providing a history of Bristol as a port, how it came to participate in the slave trade, and Colston’s divisive legacy; bristoltours.co.uk

28-30 July

CLIFTON SUMMER SCREENINGS State-of-the-art pop-up in The Mall gardens, screening a bunch of crowdpleasing classics; ri olfil i al. o

4 August

ST NICK’S NIGHT MARKET Musicians and performers bring Old City to life by night, with street food, local tipples, dancing and that wonderful Night Market vibe. Look out too for the St Nick’s Summer Busking Sessions on the last Saturdays in June, July and August; ri ol.go .uk n

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

RESTORATION DRAMAS

New prints of old movies, groundbreaking filmmaking from the ’70s, a centenary celebration of 16mm and a celebration of Bristol-born director J. Lee Thompson – movie geeks rejoice, because Cinema Rediscovered is back…

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

W

FILM

e pity the fool who tries to deny that Bristol deserves its global status as a UNESCO City of Film. Quite apart from being endlessly in demand for location and studio shooting, the city takes a ustifiable ride in its filmic heritage the Bristol ilm ce’s ilm akeo er runs all summer, and bet een 30 July we have the return of Cinema Rediscovered – the ’s biggest festi al of restored classic cinema nlike most film fests, inema edisco ered’s uni ue focus takes a fresh look at the year history of cinema through screenings of restorations, rediscoveries and rarities, su lemented ith ex ert led talks, s, li e music, orksho s, themed alks, a ui and a multitude of other starting points for lively conversation. o ular e’d say so ast year’s ticket sales re eal that , eo le from across the and beyond attended the event in Bristol, with a further 4000+ taking ad antage of a follo u tour across the and Ireland et’s take a look at hat’s u this year he s and ’ s may ha e been the classic age of olly ood, but the s as a golden decade too many argue that this was the last era that saw truly brave, auteur moviemaking making it into the mainstream. One highlight of this year’s fest is Look Who’s Back (The Hollywood Renaissance and the Blacklist) a strand sho casing a selection of scar inning films, from anti ar comedy M*A*S*H ), starring lliott ould and onald utherland to Midnight Cowboy ) ith ustin offman and on Voight, and Serpico ), ith l acino as a co coming face to face ith corru tion “ or many, hat makes the films in our Look Who’s Back line u significant is that they rein igorated merican cinema by putting on screen fresh, socially engaged stories, and introduced a new generation of actors who Di another day: La Dors in Yield to the Night, directed by Bristol-born J. Lee Thompson (TOP RIGHT)

fil saw ‘Britain’s answer to Marilyn Monroe’ ru ing o r gla our girl ak u for the jail scenes” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 23

FILM would go on to become Hollywood stars,” says festival founder Mark Cosgrove. “But an equally interesting aspect is that they saw a return to Hollywood of writers, actors and directors who had fallen foul of the communist witch hunts of the US Senate’s House Committee on Un-American Activities – a campaign which resulted, 75 years ago this year, in the jailing of ‘The Hollywood Ten’ on charges of contempt.”

Another anniversary marked at the festival is the centenary of mm film cameras and ro ectors the format which ushered in a boom in home moviemaking and introduced ‘as-it-happens’ news reporting.

The festival will host a range of events, including free workshops in 16mm splicing, dicing and projecting and screenings with live music from Bristol composer Surgeons Girl at The Crypt in St John on the Wall.

The festival is also supporting the British Film Institute’s wider Film on Film initiative, which aims to encourage more sho ings of film from rints, rather than ia digital ro ection his element of the rogramme ill offer a screening of Lynn Ramsey’s 2002 drama Morvern Callar, and t o other films on film from ne mm rints a resentation on mm by film reser ation ex ert osie Taylor and the regional première of a short championing film on film by the outh est’s B inning director Mark Jenkin.

Bristol’s own contribution to cinematic history is marked ith a choice of alking tours taking in film related places, and a rare big screen showing of Yield to the

“The 1970s reinvigorated American cinema with fresh, socially engaged stories”

ABOVE: Everybody’s still talkin’ about them: Midnight Cowboy

LEFT: Reacquaint yourself with the pros from Dover: Trapper John and Hawkeye ride again in M*A*S*H

Night (1956), directed by Westbury-on-Trym-born J. Lee Thompson, whose later credits included Ice-Cold in Alex, Cape Fear and The Guns of Navarone. he film stars iltshire born iana ors in a lot that closely mirrors the story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain, whose case played a major part in the move to abolish capital punishment. Produced at the height of kitchen sink realism in film and theatre the film came out ust as ohn sborne as busily shocking the stage establishment with Look Back in Anger – Yield to the Night saw the underrated actress, heralded by her studio as Britain’s ans er to arilyn onroe’, scrubbing off her glamour-girl make-up for the jail scenes.

UK premières will bookend the festival, beginning with new 4K restorations of The Virgin Suicides ), the film hich confirmed ofia o ola as a director of note, and tanley ubrick’s first feature film Fear & Desire ) in the original cut o finish, there’s Bushman (1971), a oetic mix of fact and fiction about a young igerian’s introduction to Black American life. ltogether, inema edisco ered ill be utting on more than 50 screenings and events, drawn from countries as far apart as Belgium, Brazil, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iran, Japan, Sweden, Taiwan, the UK and USA. Venues include Watershed, 20th Century Flicks, le edon’s ur on inema rts, the ex I cinema at Bristol Aquarium and, as part of Bristol’s Summer Film Takeover, in the basement of The Galleries. n To see the full line-up visit www.watershed.co.uk

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

“The workmanship was so neat” Kirk, Matt & Tom have just finished our garden and we are over the moon. We are so pleased with the final result and actually want to spend time in our garden now. The workmanship is so neat and exactly what we wanted, if not better.

Testimonial, Mrs R - Bristol

“Nothing was too much trouble” Kirk, Matt & Tom have totally transformed my back garden! It’s now a lovely place to unwind & relax. Nothing was too much trouble for them & so helpful with ideas to maximize the space we had. A great big thank you for all.

07765 190683

Testimonial, Mrs H - Bristol

www.scottbrothersuk.co.uk

info@scottbrothersuk.co.uk

ALL ABOUT THE BASS

Just to be confusing (or maybe democratic?), in photos it’s not ‘Fabio & Grooverider’ left to right, but ‘Grooverider & Fabio’...

© CHELONE WOLF_1

FABIO & GROOVERIDER X OUTLOOK ORCHESTRA: THROWING DOWN THE HISTORY OF JUNGLE AND D’N’B AT A VENUE NEAR YOU . . .

MUSIC

“There’s fini l a ‘Bristol sound’. i i so rooted in i or of d’n’b and jungle; I can al a ll when I’m listening to a Bristol artist”

I

s Bristol unusually collaborative? Oh, don’t ask us, we have no idea how other cities roll. But what we do know is that imaginative, creative mashups seem to happen here quite a lot, whether in theatre, art or music. No surprise, then, though quite a lot of excitement, to hear that at Siren Festival this month, drum & bass godfathers Fabio & Grooverider are teaming up once again with The Outlook Orchestra for a spectacular celebration of 30 years of d’n’b and dance music culture. It’s going to be spectacular; but how will it work?

We put Fab and Groove in the interview chair….

So how did the collaboration with The Outlook Orchestra even come about?

F: Outlook came to us with the idea; me and Groove

were really sceptical about it, because anything we were going to do with an orchestra has to be done right. We had a couple of meetings with Outlook, and decided to go ahead with it.

Why the scepticism?

F: The scepticism came from thinking “How are they

going to do this? How are they going to do tracks like Pulp Fiction?” With me and Groove, it’s all about standards; if we felt they couldn’t get it right, we wouldn’t do it.

G: I’ve always been anti-establishment, when I’d see orchestras on TV I’d think “That ain’t me”, you know? It had to be a bit more rugged.

We worked with Outlook to put together a setlist of about 60 tunes, and they listened to each tune and worked out which could potentially work as a score. It’s taken around three years of planning to do this, with Covid in between. We started working before the pandemic, so it has been a long time coming.

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

ADVENTURE BRISTOL

TREE TOPS

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ou waiting fo So what are y Book your Tree Tops adventure at adventurebristol.co.uk Adventure Bristol & Leap of Faith Wild Place Bristol, BS10 7TP

Bristol Life team 01225 475800

MUSIC

orchestra score hen eo le come to see us they’ll see something different, not ust a scri ted orchestra sho e’ e got a street orchestra, basically e’re doing a lot of the classics and bringing eo le u to date ith hat e’re doing no F: eah, it’s a lot more off the cuff rchestras ty ically look stiff, but this is incor orating hat e do club culture he easiest ay to break it do n is to say, me and roo e are ing ith an orchestra Which artists first inspired you to get into music?

F: y in uences come from the ’ s me and roo e ha e

a ery similar musical heritage G: If you come from a est Indian household, music is in your It’s about ho you ex ress yourself ith music y dad ould ha e lo ed to be me e ery father thinks he’s a soundman lot of my friends from similar backgrounds feel the same ay there asn’t e er a day hen I didn’t hear music inside my house F: nother thing, e ne er really gre u idolising s e ere more interested in creating our o n sound, ne er co ying or mimicking nd e don’t mean that in an arrogant ay, e ust ne er anted to be anyone else but oursel es f course, e had our fa ourites gro ing u , like errick ay, e in aunderson and uan tkins, because they sho ed us, as young black men, that e didn’t ha e to only like soul music here as a feeling, gro ing u , that e had to like soul or reggae, and if you didn’t like either you ere a eirdo G: eah, I al ays liked unk rock ost of the black eo le around me didn’t like it, but that re ared me to kee an o en mind for the ourney ahead F: erything as so di ided back then and, as young black men ho lo ed music, e felt ressure to conform

Grooverider (born Raymond Bingham) and Fabio (Fitzroy Heslop) are British drum & bass DJs regarded as originators of the scene, taking the music from the raves to the radio on Kiss 100, then on to BBC Radio 1, initially hosting the One in the Jungle show, and then with their own immensely popular show from 1998.

The Radio 1 show is credited with helping to bring drum and bass to mainstream audiences. @fabioandgrooverider

like e eryone else hen e didn’t, e got hate from both sides nother in uence for making music as e eren’t getting into nightclubs because of the colour of our skin G: If you ere going out there as a chance you’d be let into a lace, and that as e en if you had a grou of friends and girls ith you I remember being turned a ay by a bouncer because he didn’t like the smell of my aftersha e It as frustrating F: e had to in nightclubs to get into them, and then that as the only ay e could ex and our sound Does Bristol have a special meaning for you?

F: e’ e been coming to Bristol since the beginning

Bristol is a s ecial lace

G: eah, e’ e al ays had lo e for this lace

he music scene here is second to none and, ersonally, I’d ut it u against ondon ometimes, ondon cro ds can be s oiled but eo le in Bristol are al ays grateful to hear your tunes and they sho it F: It’s ery interesting, because there is definitely a Bristol sound’ he city is so rooted in the history of d’n’b and ungle that s there ust get it I can al ays tell hen I’m listening to a Bristol artist en hen eo le mo e to Bristol their sound starts to ick u that ibe I can’t describe it, it’s like a s ecial sauce G: he Bristol auce How would you describe the current direction of the d’n’b scene?

G: s t o of the originators of this, the fact that d’n’b is

still going is incredible to us here’s no bad direction for it to head in hen it came from nothing and no you ha e sold out festi als dedicated to the sound F: hen e first started mixing this sound, eo le ould treat us like clo ns hey called it a oke and they didn’t take it seriously hen you s oke ith them e lo e this music and no matter ho it e ol es e ill al ays be able to manoeu re and find ne artists ther genres ent do n a one ay street and ha en’t e ol ed as much © CHELONE WOLF_1

How would you describe the journey that d’n’b and the Orchestra takes you on?

G: It’s been created differently, it’s not the ty ical

Do you think now is a good time for DJs and artists to get started, and do you have any advice?

F: I’d hate to be starting out no G: here’s a lot of music but not a lot of talent e and

ab had to learn ho to mix and use turntables hereas no e eryone thinks they’re a F: e had to learn ho to lay ith a cro d ou can’t re licate that, erforming in those nightclubs and reacting to emotions and feelings ost of those starting no are doing it in an em ty room G: ou need to ha e an audience before you get started no , you ha e to be an in uencer ith romoters checking your monthly ie s and clout F: I couldn’t care less about our monthly ie s but I do care about our hard ork y ad ice ould be, you need to be yourself and car e your ath If you ant hat someone else has, then you’re not thinking straight How would you have fared if you were starting now?

F: e ould ha e found a ay en ith all the olitics

and clout chasing there is today, e ould ha e mo ed through it and got to here e are no G: o doubt ome eo le ha e it, e did, and there are others out there no ho ha e it and ill make it n Fabio and Grooverider with The Outlook Orchestra play Lloyd’s Amphitheatre on 27 July; www.bristolbeacon.org

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

TURN TO FACE THE STRANGE… 1

…Ch-ch-changes: let’s take a look at some of the places and people which have been on one hell of a journey over the last few years Words and pics by Colin Moody

2

I

BRISTOL HEROES

’ve been privileged to shoot at cultural events all over this city for over a decade now, and it’s amazing to think about some of the changes which can, and do, take place here with a regularity that makes you realise that it’s part of how we thrive. Spray the words ‘status quo’ on any wall around here, and it’ll be overwritten before the Kobra ink dries.

So welcome to Ch-ch-ch-changes Heroes. Places and people which have seen a narrative arc missing from most mainstream blockbusters. Our city boasts venues which have been rising, or bulldozed to oblivion, and eo le ho ha e mo ed or shaken their mo o into different areas So let’s look at these… adjustments… and realise hopefully that it’s the city itself, and its people, which allow for huge change, and no matter hat they thro our ay gentrification, homogenised clones, chea falafel – we are ready to remix it through our change engine and make it Bristol.

1

Hero 1 is the road outside my house. I suddenly realised we used to live in a city which did not have so many potholes. Now you can see the cobbles the horses used to clip-clop on poking through, holes so deep that Jim Cameron might make a movie in them, and the thought occurs that maybe the council are waiting until they all join up, and it’s cobbles back for good.

Planet Pothole here is an imaginary moon made out of just some of the holes in Hotwells. My deets are at the end of this feature, and if your area boasts more than its fair share of potholes let me know, and I will come and make you a pothole moon. Mine seems to have a trench or two which would make Mars blush.

3

2

Oh dear. Things change fast round here, don’t they?

The Fruit Market here, taken in 2018. Happier times, before the royals imploded. Weddings, coronations and a funeral. Sounds like a bad rom-com. Oh, it is.

3

The music venue formerly known as… you know the rest. The Bristol Beacon, as it was on the last-ever concert performance with an orchestra when it was still called Colston Hall. Solo violinist moves away from the stage to the back of the auditorium to check on tuning.

It was quite the experience to be there all day until the concert ended. They played pieces which had been performed in cities under siege during World War II, pieces so moving they survived where many members from those orchestras did not. It brings to mind the changes we see now with the war in Ukraine, and that as changes fall upon us beyond our control, there is a constant and an emotion in that music, which we hope can save us all.

4 4

Simple gestures show the changes we have made as a society, and continue to champion.

Here an unknown couple at the Grand Iftar passes a key from one hand to the other. It makes me think that all the progress we have made as a society relies on the continued delivery of that promise: to be good to each other.

“There are potholes so deep that Jim Cameron might make a movie in them; the thought occurs that maybe the council are waiting till they all join up and it’s cobbles back for good” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 35

BRISTOL HEROES

5 6

5

We will never again be drinking Moët out of plastic Guinness cups in the doorway to Blue Mountain. It’ll have been demolished by the time this issue goes to press.

Been a lot of sad posts about it. Taken here at BM just weeks before it shut for good.

6

My eyes!

One last piece of street art remains on the surface of the wall of the Blue Mountain. Now a mountain of rubble, soon to be overpriced student accommodation. Never again will sweaty blue laser beams and career-inspiring DJ sets resonate in the walls on this site. More likely the only tunes will be Fred Again on the headphones of students, keyless, swiping their way into the building, and the only spinning here will be inside the clothes dryer.

But as one door closes, another opens; dozens of new venues have sprung up all over the city. Edgy areas will abound in the age of austerity, and if this place comes like a cultural ghost town, new ideas and the desire to collectively go for it, will make our music scene vibrate and shine.

In a world of air-conditioned student beige there will always be a counter culture to come in a massive attack of beats and life.

Watch this space.

7 7 8

Art show of the graduates in design, photography and other arts at rnolfini, back in une I always go to this show. It’s a chance to fold your arms and realise that these young graduates are making ork that is un inching, humorous and groundbreaking.

It sure makes you feel positive that we in Bristol are at the forefront of change, and not just waiting around, arms folded, to moan about how things ain’t as good as they used to be.

We are setting the curve, pushing the envelope and having a bloody good time doing it, too.

8

Another wall is painted black and readied for an artist to have their say all over it.

The walls at the Peoples Republic are so thick with paint now, with hundreds of issues and ideas having been conveyed upon them, that a while ago, when a small part was removed, the spray paint – each layer only a few microns thick – had built up to a multicoloured centimetre.

Doesn’t sound like a lot, but that’s a huge distance for spray paint to get to. It was carefully cut and polished into jewellery.

Protest and distress, and it can also change into beauty. o uote that line from the end of the et ix mo ie Don’t Look Up: “We really did have it all, didn’t we?”

If we ever lose this, we lose everything.

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

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 37

EMILY & DAN ROSS STORYSMITH BOOKS sets off an absurdist chain of e ents ou’ll kno ithin the first sentence whether or not it’s for you – the language is completely, defiantly idiosyncratic and thrums with the energy of a brain wired differently here is a ro ulsi e plot in there too, which is the thing that will make this book a sleeper hit. (You can also meet the author at Storysmith on 13 July for a very special in-store event!)

This issue, our favourite booksellers embrace tales of the unexpected...

O

ne of the true joys of recommending books to people all day long is when someone comes into the shop and you can just tell they need something deeply weird. Something in their gait, their disposition, their furtive scanning of the shelves for an anchor-author who will let them know they’re in safe hands.

Finally – perhaps they sense that booksellers know best in these instances – they approach.

“I’m looking for something… different eird As we all know, weirdness comes in many forms. In preparing this column, as with our in-store recommendations for the most intrepid readers, we take in the heavy and the light, the dark

and the bright, in the hopes that you might gravitate towards our weirdness and take a punt (possibly a very long punt).

Anyway, enough preamble: these are the weirdest new books we’ve devoured and loved.

Corey Fah does Social Mobility

by Isabel Waidner e’re finding that the best ay to recommend this joyously unconventional and experimental novel is to list some of the key elements and see if it gets a reaction. So: insectoid Bambi, levitating literary prizes, space portals, a stag taking over a chain of fast-food restaurants. Thoughts?

All of these things are vital parts of Isabel Waidner’s unbelievably zesty and energetic novel about an up-and-coming novelist who wins a bogus literary award that

This Is Not Miami

by Fernanda Melchor (trans. Sophie Hughes) Anyone who’s already read Fernanda Melchor’s fiction ill know that the Mexican writer does not hold back in dealing with the murkier side of urban living. This collection of short and explosive stories is based in fact, but relayed variously as reportage, investigative journalism and almost novelistic accounts of foul deeds in the city of Veracruz, where Melchor has found endless and fruitful inspiration.

Inter-gang relations, tragic crimes borne of societal decay, and an incredible central story that begins in a haunted house and quickly becomes a terrifying curbside exorcism – these stories do not inch, and so they’re erha s not for everyone. But if you have the mettle for the details then you’ll find the manner in hich they’re conveyed absolutely captivating.

his literary fire ork dis lay of a novel, perhaps the most dazzling and impressive reading experience e had last year, is finally out in paperback. The titular Carlotta is a trans woman fresh out of prison and back in her Brooklyn stomping ground. We join her as she struggles to reclaim any semblance of her former life, reconnecting with the family who knew her as Dustin, navigating the labyrinthine job market, desperately trying to a ease her assigned arole o cer, pining for the love she left behind bars.

What truly separates this novel is the writing on a sentence-bysentence basis – Carlotta herself repeatedly and constantly interrupts the prosaic narration, spewing ornate invective and commentary in urries of irresistible ernacular It’s a truly thrilling reading experience, and one that (like Carlotta herself) goes to extraordinary lengths to hide its emotional heart underneath a coarsely, bitterly hilarious exterior.

It is incredibly gratifying for anyone when they’re told that they were right all along, but when you’ve taken a real chance on recommending that perfectly niche book for that perfectly openminded reader, and they let you know that you really hit the spot, satisfaction doesn’t quite cover it. All you need to do is ask for something weird…

Didn’t Nobody Give A Sh*t what Happened to Carlotta

by James Hannaham

Visit Storysmith at 36 North Street, Bedminster; 0117 953 7961 www.storysmithbooks.com

“Sometimes when someone comes into the shop, you can just tell they need something deeply weird”

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

NOAH’S

Fancy some sole food?

Good news: there’s a new plaice in town . . .

By Deri Robins Photos by Matt Inwood

RESTAURANT

L

et’s just get the heritage of the place out of the way, because scion of Bath’s a ard inning callo hell, an has inherited although you can’t really swerve the subject, it’s not the family assion for all things seafood, although oah’s is an entirely especially relevant to the review in question. inde endent enture es ite kno ing this, as long term fans of the , here goes e fish and chi restaurant oah’s has callo e can’t hel making com arisons, and sulk brie y o er oah’s taken o er the former ockside caf on Brunel ock oad com arati ely limited menu no crab or lobster, though e belie e the Iconic amn right he ortacabin like building first latter is ser ed at eekends, and nor, on our isit at least, scallo s o ened as a trans ort caff in o er the years it mor hed hat they do ha e, ho e er, is mussels, hich I demolish like a hale into he enturers est, then o eye’s iner, e entually hoo ering krill I don’t belie e I ha e e er had better generous ortion attaining immortality in the ’ s as id’s af in Only Fools & Horses ress of fat, meaty little beasts from t ustell Bay one of the many likeable your ear to the all and listen carefully you may still hear the ghostly echo things about oah’s is that they offer brief details of ro enance ithout of rigger boasting about his medal from the council making a song and dance about it cooked in a fragrant shallot and an and oie osser took o er the site earlier this year, naming it ine sauce the only thing that ould ha e im ro ed the dish ould ha e oah’s artly after their baby son, but also because the ne ooden been a cou le of slices of com limentary bread for the mo ing, though cladding makes it look like a rather u market ark s ell as coming ith freshly baked sourdough is readily a ailable for three of your arth uid shoals of history, the restaurant occupies a rather unique position, being our an’s ra n cocktail starter, ser ed in a scallo shell huh), is fine, tucked directly under a yo er strangely, this isn’t hat you notice at all though as is often the case ith this dish, the ra ns and sauce are a little hat grabs your attention is the ie o er umberland Basin, looking too chilled for maximum a our across the harbour, ith lifton us ension Bridge doing its scenic thing lthough e’re dining early, they’ e run out of bream a good in the distance indication that a lace is truly ser ing the lthough it’s far nicer to arri e on foot, there’s catch of the day In fact, if I o ned a seafood lenty of arking out front, and you shouldn’t restaurant I’d be tem ted to list non existent DINING DETAILS ha e any di culty ducking under and o er ingredients ust to be able to declare them off Noah’s, Brunel Lock Road, BS1 6XS; Brunel’s ay and cruising the one ay systems the menu Instead, from a mains dominated by 0117 452 9240; www.noahsbristol.co.uk of ot ells as long as you don’t ut your trust hite fish, our an goes for a classic haddock Opening hours Tue-Sun midday-3pm, 5-9pm in oogle a s and ossess a reasonable sense and chi s, the e lyn sourced fish oached Prices Starters £3.95-£10.50; mains £16.90-£23.50 of direction hich I famously don’t y ability beautifully ithin suitably cris y fried batter Drinks Carefully compiled and interesting wine list to get lost erges on the athological our an The chips are a little forgettable.

Atmosphere Chilled and laidback once had to send out a search arty in abot y lemon sole from Brixham is excellent Service Invested and friendly ircus to retrie e me from li er Bonas If I’d hoe er first named this fish clearly asn’t been navigating a o r abot ould concentrating, as it’s neither lemon a oured Veggie Limited choice ha e had to settle for disco ering le edon nor a sole it’s a ounder but luckily hef is Bring the kids? Most def. And the dog fter se eral comic rong turnings that concentrating, that is), ser ing u the delicate, ouldn’t ha e disgraced an e isode of Only Fools, soft, aky sole in a sim le sauce of bro n butter e arri e in an ad anced state of usterdom and mutual irritation that’s and i uant ca ers that enhances its natural s eetness hef kno s that instantly soothed a ay as e entered oah’s, here the ser ice is friendly, there’s no oint sourcing immaculately fresh fish then s am ing it ith the ibe laidback and the d cor ust nautical enough, ith its a ua unnecessary sauces It’s a erfect dish u holstery, bleached ood and ortholes, to remind you hat you’ e uddings are sim le erha s too sim le y stra berry urbeck come for ithout laying on the seaside kitsch ith a tro el ice cream is as good as ice cream gets, but ould ha e felt more s ecial Belsa ar rose ermouth on the rocks calms me do n further as e ser ed in a retro sundae glass instead of its little cardboard carton take in our surroundings Im ressi ely, for an early mid eek e ening, the here’s loads to lo e about oah’s not least the lo ely staff, ho seem room is mostly full no dodgy dealing el Boys in shee skin coats and genuinely leased to be here he ibe is relaxed and cool, the fish to knock off bling, ust nice cou les, and a large family including a air of uality, sustainably sourced and cooked ith skill and res ect Best of all, early teens glued to their hones e roll our Boomer eyes, then raise you get to eat it next to a harbour ith the sun s arkling on the ater our eyebro s immediately as e atch the same teens tuck into oysters oah’s is ery good, and likely to get e en better as an and oie ith an alacrity rarely itnessed in this fussy eating age grou my o n settle in I’d like to see a slightly ex anded menu, ith more shellfish and offs ring ould ha e star ed rather than eat slimy creatures in shells ou crustacean action, erha s the odd bit of crudo or ce iche But maybe should ne er make sna udgments those kids ere robably ust using that’s ust me e didn’t see anyone else crying into their sau blanc o er their hones to research the urification methods used by the oyster the aucity of ra or clams e’d recommend you gi e it a hirl, then but farmers of the amel stuary ossibly best not ask us for dri ing directions n

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

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

Four openings and a closure

ROLL UP, ROLL UP … for Kal Dosa – the new restaurant on the former Spicer & Cole site on Gloucester Road, brought by the team behind the wildly popular Nutmeg and Nadu. The restaurant specialises in dosas – those tasty rolled-up rice pancakes made from fermented batter that are such a staple of Indian street food.

The idea, says co-founder Raj Munuswamy, is “to travel through four southern states of India, capturing their unique cuisine and the tropical essence of south Indian train journeys, where every station is a gateway to local specialities”.

Drawing on inspiration from the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry, the menu features a selection of dishes s ecific to the region, from dosas to thalis and biryanis.

Oh, and with cocktails.

On Instagram @kaldosabristol

FRESH PASTURES ork continues a ace on asture’s ne enture in the edcliffe Quarter. Consisting of a butchers, deli, cookery school and burger joint, Prime by Pasture plans to open next January for breakfast, morning coffee and brunch, right through until dinner time for burgers and beers.

Prime will create a total of 50 new local jobs, and allow owner Sam Elliott and his team to double down on the things that they’re already famed for – impeccably sourced produce, in-house butchery and cooking o er fire ust like the restaurant, the main focus will be beef, sourced from regenerative South West farms where cattle are raised on pasture, which not only tastes better but has less impact on the environment.

Food waste will be kept to a minimum, and any created will be composted in Pasture’s own on-site anaerobic digester Prime by Pasture’s deli will sell a variety of housemade sauces, rubs and marinades, as well as a selection of fresh roduce gro n at Buttercliffe arm in ong shton – Sam’s own market garden, where he’s also planted his own ineyard he has lans to roduce and sell the first bottles of wine from the vineyard from 2025 onwards.

Finally, Prime by Pasture will also be home to a development kitchen where chefs can recapture the success of the live cookery demos held during lockdown, for the return of Pasture at Home. www.pasturerestaurant.com

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

HOT PLATES AMUSES BOUCHES . . .

Big congratulations to Jan and Mary of Wilsons on Chandos Road: the only Bristol restaurant named in the National Restaurant Awards Top 100 this year. @wilsonsbristol Only the very vaguest of information seems available so far – is it a café, a bar, a restaurant, what? – but we do know that the corner site on Boyce’s Avenue previously occupied by Sunday General (and before that, Papersmiths) is in the process of being transformed into something called Mercy Mercy Mercy, which we read is poised to offer “brunch, coffee and hair of the dog”. www.mercymercymercy.com

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES (COME ON!)

Happy birthday, Aqua Welshback – a quarter of a century young this month, and going strong. o, hat’s the secret of the family firm’s longe ity, MD Ben Smithson?

“It’s been do n to hard ork and dedication o er the years, says Ben, “continually de elo ing and inno ating, and ha ing strong orking relationshi s with suppliers. Most importantly, being consistent with your roduct and de elo ing your teams is essential, especially nowadays. “ e ha e al ays had a hiloso hy of in esting and de elo ing the restaurant, and ha e gone through fi e makeo ers during that time, along ith de elo ing menus to keep on-trend. I am extremely proud and looking forward to the next 25 years.”

The restaurant will be hosting a drinks and canapés e ening bet een m on uly to celebrate www.aqua-restaurant.com We’ll miss you, walled garden of Wrington

Local brewery Left Handed Giant has announced it will be opening its fifth bar, the latest being within the recently regenerated Carriageworks on Stokes Croft. The bar will serve not only LHG beers but those from other breweries, with food from local indie businesses. www.lefthandedgiant.com And don’t forget…The Mazi Project is continuing its guest-curated recipe box scheme this month, this time courtesy of recipe developer Anna Shepherd. £45 buys not only enough for three meals for four people, but a box donated to a young person living with food poverty. www.themaziproject.com/give-a-box

ICE, ICE BABY

Swoon belie es that life is made better ith gelato, and if the queues snaking around the block at their College Green branch are anything to go by, Bristol clearly agrees. As does The Guardian, ho’ e recently named oon as one of the best laces to buy ice cream in the , choosing the istachio a our as its to ick ell, Bristol could ha e told it that nd no you can get your oon fix at a ing harf, too the grou ha e taken o er the site re iously occu ied by li er’s ice cream, ser ing u all the fa ourite a ours along ith a ne soft ser e and milkshakes. www.swoononaspoon.co.uk

WE’LL ALWAYS HAVE THE COOKBOOK . . .

Well, this is one nugget of news we could have done without.

After 13 years of providing us with the most delightful dining experiences, The Ethicurean is due to close this October.

“With Matthew [Pennington, co-founder] in Scotland and Mark [McCabe, head chef] keen to embrace some exciting new projects, the time is right to let go of our beautiful venue in Wrington,” say the guys.

“The Ethicurean brand will live on – Matthew has lots of ideas, and Mark will undoubtedly keep cooking and creating, so stick with us to find out what’s next.

“We want to go out with a bang, and have one long summer party, with a restaurant full of wonderful guests, so do come and join us for one last time at this beautiful location.” Bookings are open until the end of September. @theethicurean on instagram

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

CAFÉ SOCIETY STAN CULLIMORE

Parks and recreation

A little slice of Horfield paradise, just waiting to be discovered . . .

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ince the eather has been so ab fab recently, I ha e decided to continue the theme of arks and recreation for this issue’s choice of coffee house ee ing it all o en s ace and clear blue skies or the last issue’s column, e isited a caf in shton ourt his time e took a tri o er to a com letely different art of to n, to orfield ommon home to the rather s lendid rdagh ommunity af

“With a dry throat, raging thirst and insatiable desire for the cooling touch of a drink, I was severely tempted by a can o fi ooli n

It’s been in the ne s recently something about the bo ling green, the council and getting more something or other ot uite sure exactly hat is going on, but the main takea ay seems to be that things are looking u for this little gem of a lace hich is excellent ne s, as it is retty blooming mar ellous right no an’t ait to see hat changes the future holds in store n the day e isited, it as at the end of a most en oyable eekend stroll hich is hardly front age ne s the leafy lanes and boule ards round those arts are a delight in themsel es ell orth a gander e had been ex loring some of the snakelike snickets those tiny back lanes that lead behind houses, gardens and garages, hen all of a sudden, e emerged blinking into the full beam of a beautiful, sunshiny day hich is hen e realised refreshment as needed Immediately ormally, I ould only e er consider a cu of something caffeine related at a time like this But right then, ith a dry throat, raging thirst and insatiable desire for the cooling touch of a drink, I as se erely tem ted by a can of fi y foolishness uckily, ust as I as about to order, the young lady making the coffees icked u a cu of ice cubes, and I as sa ed he

clouds parted, I returned the can of fi to the fridge and ordered an iced coffee But not ust any old latte h, no I ent for a full on, iced mericano Black, beautiful and not a dro of milk to be seen any here about ust admit, it as a gamble Not sure I’ve ever had such a thing before But it aid off It as sublime orgeous ust hat the doctor of lo e and li uid refreshment ould ha e ordered, if such a doctor existed it the s ot erfectly s did the slice of cakey goodness that came ith it Bit like the caf itself, really s a community s ace, it does exactly hat it says on the tin Brings a real sense of community to the ark hile e ere there, the bo ling green as full of ha y bo lers he shady benches under the trees ere full of families en oying ice creams, snacks and treats galore ery here you looked strangers ere smiling, friends ere chatting to assers by, hile small children and dogs frolicked eacefully on the grass an thoroughly recommend this lace iece of arklife aradise ust aiting to be en oyed n Former Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer @stancullimore on instagram

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

Blimey, it’s hot out there! Oh, wait: it's now so parky we’re starting to look meaningfully at the central heating!

Yep, it’s been a weird old summer so far, but rain, shine or unseasonal chilliness, is any day not improved by a cocktail? We asked the city’s best mixologists to get creative on your behalf . . .

KASK

“We've created a number of new spritz cocktails themed around getting away this summer,” says KASK owner Charlie Taylor. “Each is named after a holiday destination.

"The current menu includes Bologna (below); Staycation, a spritz with Sipsmith London Cup; and Tulum via Capri, with limoncello + mezcal verde."

Bologna

50ml Amaro Montenegro 100ml Tenuta Aurea Frizzante A splash of Fever Tree soda Olive, lemon wedge KASK does summer with spritzes: we've given you the recipe for Bologna (middle of pic) but we reckon you're clever enough to work out Staycation and Tulum via Capri from the copy on the right, too

Pour the first ingredient into a glass, top with the next two, and garnish with an olive and lemon wedge. www.kaskwine.co.uk

COCKTAILS

AQUA

Mixologist Nicolae Florin has come up with a twist on the classic G&T. “Drink on sunny days in the garden," says Nicolae. "Just close your eyes, and it will transport you to the sunny beaches of Italy.”

Aqua Bloom

GAMBAS

“This is the ultimate cocktail for the summer,” says bar manager Georgie Russon. “It balances spice, sour and honey with a hint of pickle, bringing something a bit different. I love it paired with anchovies while sat in the sun” – on the Gambas terrace, perhaps, if you can't be bothered to make one yourself.

Miel Picante

40ml red chilli and guindilla (pickled chilli)-infused tequila

reposado (for ultimate spice and pickled flavour infuse your tequila 24 hours before you make this cocktail) 15ml Manzanilla sherry 20 ml honey syrup Whole fresh lime, squeezed Small pinch of spicy paprika 1 dash of tabasco

35 ml gin 10 ml Italicus 5 ml violet liqueur Mediterranean tonic Mix the first three ingredients in a highball glass, top up with Mediterranean tonic and garnish with edible flowers. www.aqua-restaurant.com

Add all your ingredients to a shaker and top with ice.

Shake, then double strain into a martini glass, and garnish with a finger chilli. www.gambasbristol.co.uk

HARBOUR HOUSE

“This cocktail has everything you need for the summer; sweet, sharp and refreshing,” says bar manager Kuba Szuster

Watermelon Dream

37.5ml East London vodka 10ml Campari 25ml lime juice 37.5ml watermelon syrup Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake.

Fill a tumbler with crushed ice and pour over the shaken mix. Garnish with lime and mint. www.hhbristol.com

RICK’S

A suitably elegant little number from the Bristol Hotel's stylish new bar, created by manager Mesha Solanki; "Best enjoyed on Rick’s terrace at golden hour," says Mesha.

Ripples on The Sea

40ml Mount Gay rum 15ml Wrey & Nephew rum 20ml fresh lime juice 30ml pineapple juice 20ml coconut syrup Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.

Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is freezing to the touch.

Double strain into a chilled coupe; Rick's garnish with dehydrated pineapple, but fresh is fine too. www.doylecollection.com

COCKTAILS COAL KITCHEN

“The ideal take on a sangria with a summer twist, perfect to enjoy on our terrace,” says bar manager Erik Nagy invitingly.

Rose Sangria

75ml sweet rosé wine ½ shot orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec) ½ shot brandy Lemonade Summer fruits To a wine glass, add ice, the sweet rosé, orange liqueur and brand, and mix well. Top with lemonade and add summer fruits: strawberries, raspberries, pink grapefruit and orange work well in this drink. www.coalkitchen.co.uk

BANK

This cocktail from general manager Paddy Cronin is a doddle to make, but looks and tastes super-special.

Moscato Highball

35ml Aperitivo Co! Sofia 15ml tawny port (Bank uses Noval 10-year) 25ml lemon juice 15ml apple juice 10ml sugar syrup Pinch of sea salt One egg white Garnish: grated chocolate Shake ingredients with ice, double-strain back into shaker, discard ice, Dry shake for texture, and garnish. www.bankbristol.com

BAR44

Bar manager Guilherme Cacador has created a twist on the 1930s cocktail invented by the Savoy Hotel as a hangover cure.

“It’s said that drinking four of these will bring a corpse back to life,” says Guilherme.

Pink Corpse Reviver

25ml strawberry-infused Spanish gin (one bottle of gin infused with one punnet of strawberries for seven days) 25ml Cointreau 25ml Lillet 25ml lemon juice Red berry absinthe (in a mist spray) Strawberry powder Shake the first four ingredients, and pour into a coupe glass halfdipped into strawberry powder. Spray with absinthe! www.grupo44.co.uk/ bar44

CARGO CANTINA “A simple mojito that hits the spot – perfect for a beginner cocktail-maker,” says bar manager Marcus Maries. “Just as refreshing as a classic mojito, but the mezcal adds an extra touch of excitement!”

Mezcal Mojito

50ml Mezcal Verde 1 lime, cut into four wedges Dash of agave syrup 8 mint leaves Soda water Put the mezcal, two wedges of lime, half the mint leaves, and agave syrup in a tall glass. Muddle until the agave is thoroughly mixed. Add the remaining limes and ice to the top of the glass, then top with soda water.

Clap the remaining mint leaves and add as a garnish. www.cargocantina.co.uk

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

ED’S ED S CHOICE

NORDSTJERNE BOWLS, £29-£49 Part of the Sustain collection; Nordstjerne uses recycled paper waste to sculpt unique and beautiful bowls From Maze Clothing 26-28 The Mall www.mazeclothing.co.uk MOUNIR WHITE PEARL SILVER CIRCLE PENDANT, £60 Lovely silver hoop pendant with freshwater pearls, wrapped ith fine sil er ire by guest designer Mounir From Diana Porter 33 Park Street www.dianaporter.co.uk

WHITER SHADE OF PALE Make it a cool, cool summer…

BRISTOL BRICK VASE, £38 Buy a slice of Bristol's heritage; Stolen Form’s ceramic vase is cast from the same Cattybrook bricks used to build the Severn Tunnel From USTUDIO Bristol North Baths, Gloucester Road www.ustudio.design

HOUSE DOCTOR PION STONEWARE SPOON, £5.50 Pion spoons comes in a beautiful pale grey colour, in a natural shape; each is slightly different, gi ing a homespun look. There are also bowls, plates and mugs in the range From Mon Pote 217a North Street www.monpote.co.uk

LAVENDER & PATCHOULI SOAP, £4.50 Handmade in Bristol by Wild Grove, these soaps fill any room ith an addicti e natural essence Each bar is made using a hot process in which the ingredients are added at the end, so it keeps its potency and aroma as long as possible From Wild Grove www.wildgrove.co.uk

LACE BOMBER JACKET, £119 The perfect marriage of sporty and elegant; style with denim and pristine trainers From Mint Velvet, 44 Regent Street www.mintvelvet.co.uk 54 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SELETTI WHITE MOUSE USB LAMP, £76 The only rodent you’ll want on the loose in your home; in fact, they're so adorable you’ll actively want them to breed. Typical Seletti: combining fun and function with serious design know-how From USTUDIO, Bristol North Baths, Gloucester Road www.ustudio.design

DISCOCÓ LAMPSHADE, £POA We’re sure we saw very similar shades adorning the apartment of Shiv Roy and Tom Wambsgans; and yes, of course we’re still crushing on Succession…

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

ED’S CHOICE

ALICANTE DINING TABLE, £2,379.15 (FROM £2,799) Extendable, and as much a room statement as a functional modern everyday essential From Bo Concept 76-78 Whiteladies Road www.boconcept.com

JIMMY CHOO ADDY CAT-EYE SUNGLASSES, £260 Channel Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief.

Or practically any other mid-century Hollywood goddess, for that matter From Harvey Nichols 27 Philadelphia Street www.harveynichols.com

JACQUEMUS LE CHIQUITO LEATHER TOP HANDLE BAG, £460 The Le Chiquito bag has cult status; this white leather version with detachable shoulder strap is hot from the French label’s latest line-up From Harvey Nichols 27 Philadelphia Street www.harveynichols.com

MEAVE CUTOUT SLIDERS, £89 Style with anything from dresses to jeans and everything in between From Mint Velvet 44 Regent Street www.mintvelvet.co.uk

KÜHN KERAMIK COFFEE CUP, £45 Drawing on Kühn Keramik’s treasure trove of historical documents and typographies – this one, we learn, is inspired by Alice in Wonderland From Maze Clothing, 26-28 The Mall www.mazeclothing.co.uk

MODENA LEATHER CHAIR, £1,949 (FROM £2,294) Organic shapes and minimal lines merge in a casual, contemporary yet supremely comfy expression From Bo Concept, 76-78 Whiteladies Road www.boconcept.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 55

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THE FUTURE OF PRIVATE HOSPITAL CARE IS HERE

The brand-new NORTH BRISTOL PRIVATE HOSPITAL is passionate about patient care

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his new facility of medical excellence is quickly becoming the private treatment epicentre for patients in Bristol and the south west of England and Wales. With our individualised, bespoke treatments at the heart of its offering, you will experience expert care within exemplary facilities locally. With an eye on the detail and patient welfare at its core, your stay at NBPH promises to provide the best possible recovery experience.

At the hospital, located just a 30-minute drive from Bristol Airport and very close to both the M4 and M5 motorway junctions and Bristol Parkway train station, you will be welcomed to the outstanding facilities by a member of our exceptional administration team with service that rivals a five-star hotel.

A PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE

Specialist care governed by safety will be the hallmark of your hospital treatment. You can expect best-in-class nursing support and clinical facilities delivered in luxurious surroundings and supreme comfort. We have beautiful bedrooms with en-suite facilities to ensure you have a comfortable and private stay with us.

YOUR TREATMENT, OUR SPECIALITY

Whether you are visiting us for cosmetic surgery, with procedures such as breast reduction, breast enlargement, tummy tucks or facelifts, or a routine operation or medical treatment, our facilities are designed to make your entire journey smooth, safe, relaxed, and comfortable.

“At North Bristol Private Hospital, patient care is at the heart of everything we do and we are here to ensure your journey is as seamless as possible,” says Kelly Cavallo, hospital operations manager.

We understand the price of surgery can be a crucial deciding factor for many patients however there is no one price fits all. All our treatment packages are bespoke following a consultant led consultation. NBPH is therefore delighted to be able to offer a range of financing options, including 0% interest, for patients wishing to have cosmetic surgery through our aligned partner, Chrysalis Finance.

AT NORTH BRISTOL PRIVATE HOSPITAL, WE PROMISE:

• Meticulously trained administrative and front-of-house staff • Exceptional management staff who take pride in making your treatment journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible • Friendly specialist consultation provided in the privacy of comfortable chaperoned consultation rooms • Excellent and spacious operating theatres and treatment rooms • Round-the-clock nursing staff, with a femaleonly team available on request • Ultimate in luxury and comfortable surroundings for the perfect post-operative overnight stay – a home-from-home experience • Variety of restaurant options and comfortable hotel accommodation facilities for your family and visitors within walking distance • Free onsite parking. n

North Bristol Private Hospital, 150 Aztec West, Bristol, BS32 4UB info@NBPH.co.uk; tel: 01179 114 000 www.northbristolprivatehospital.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 57

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THE PERSONAL SERVICE

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Chairman and founder Digby Player explains the one simple ethos behind the establishment of DIGBY ASSOCIATES

here is one very simple ethos behind the establishment of Digby Associates in 2007 and its growth into an award-winning wealth a a e e t fir .

Chairman and founder Digby Player is driven by a desire to provide clients ith a erso al servi e. i o loo a ter eo le the rest loo s a ter itsel .

That a lies to lie ts as ell as sta . e sai he avera e a e o a fi a ial a viser i this o tr is t here at i sso iates it is . hat s so ethi e are ver ro o . e have spent a lot of time developing a young, alifie tea hi h is o le e te sta e ers ith a reat eal o e erie e.

If you come to us at the age of 60, and your adviser is 34, the chances are that you will re ire o l o e a viser to loo a ter o or the rest o o r li e. e are ver assio ate a o t rovi i advice to all generations in a family, and our str t re a e ertise ea s e a loo a ter numerous generations - from grandparents worrying about inheritance tax and parents loo i at retire e t to the hil re etti o the ro ert la er a ever thi i - et ee .

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FCA data 2021 . ta viser. o o r-i str rover ilter i a ial la i

three-i -five-fi a ol tio s i ite .

l er e t o fi a ial fir s s h as o rs i the have ore tha five a thorise a visers a e have . 1 Di sso iates o er es o e fi a ial advice and services to clients ranging from investments and mortgages to pensions and retire e t la i all ith the a i o ilter i a ial la i o e o the lar est et or s o a visers i the . Di a e hi s a ha e a ove i l he it comes to mortgages and pensions, areas of e ertise i hi h e are ver i le. e also have three a visers ho are alifie to a vise o i al alar efi e e efit e sio tra s ers a o t thi a o e else i the est o tr a rival that. e love seei lie ts i o r o fi es overloo i ee are or i helte ha and we’re just as happy to do a home visit – whatever is best and most convenient for our lie ts.

Three i five fi a ial la ers are loo i to exit the industry soon, of which two-thirds cited retirement as their motivation2... so ethi that won’t be an issue at Digby Associates, a company that focuses on doing the best possible job for all generations. n ial- la

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e s e ialise i rovi i es o e i a ial advice and services to clients on investments, mortgages and retirement options as well as other i a ial atters. e a hel o a s er estio s li e - What does retirement look like for me?

- What goals do I have that will take planning, money and ongoing coordination to achieve? ith e l sive eals or hole o ar et for mortgages through the Quilter Financial la i et or o r e erie e ro ers can remove the stress from your house purchase whether you are a first-time buyer or are loo i to re ort a e.

Get in touch for a free intial consultation: 57 Queen Square, Bristol, BS1 4LF Tel: 0117 933 5544. www.digby-associates.co.uk Email: info@digby-associates.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 59

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IT’S ALWAYS BETTER WHEN WE’RE TOGETHER Above:The official opening of Origin Workspace with Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Peaches Golding

In a post-COVID world ORIGIN WORKSPACE are rewriting the definition of flexible working

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n February 2020, the team at Origin Workspace waved goodbye to the scaffold and dust and celebrated the completion of the £9 million refurbishment project which saw 40 Berkeley Square transformed into a premium co-working and meeting venue.

Excited to be welcoming over 600 members to the community, they had no idea that the doors were about to be forced shut indefinitely, with the uncertainty of a global pandemic dominating the news and a stay-at-home order in place.

What followed rewrote the definition of flexible working, as most businesses adapted their practices to allow teams to continue their roles

from home. Workstations were set up in spare rooms, kitchen tables were repurposed and Zoom calls became the norm.

Employees were forced to adapt, and in among the concerning headlines and the stress of juggling home schooling with home working, people embraced the benefits. The daily commute became a morning run, lunch breaks were taken in sunny gardens, household tasks were completed while waiting for the kettle to boil, and the rise of the ‘work from anywhere’ culture was born.

As the world started to reopen and people returned to offices, Origin Workspace, who had frozen membership fees, asked members

“REMOTE WORK IS FINE BUT YOU NEED THAT SOCIAL CONNECTION AND TO SEPARATE HOME AND WORK LIFE” 60 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

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“I’M STRUGGLING TO MOTIVATE MYSELF WORKING FROM HOME, AND MISS THE INSPIRATION THAT COMES FROM BEING IN AN ATTRACTIVE WORK SETTING”

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whether they would like to return. The response was in favour and with Covid-safe measures in place, they welcomed teams back to the space.

Despite further lockdowns, it was clear the office still served a purpose; the next step was simply working out what exactly that purpose was.

They launched a range of flexible membership plans starting from just £99 a month, allowing businesses to embrace hybrid working. Many businesses moved to using office desks on a rotating basis aiming for the right balance of in-person and online. Companies that would have never considered a co-working environment joined Origin and reaped the benefits of a premium-serviced office environment with an inbuilt thriving community, costing less than space they had leased before.

FEELING THE EFFECTS Three years on and although the positive benefits of hybrid working are clear, for fully remote workers, cracks are starting to show.

A recent competition to win a membership here provided some interesting insights.

It seems many home workers are feeling

“IT’D BE SO NICE TO SEE FACES RATHER THAN PIXELS ON A SCREEN ALL DAY! ” lonely and unmotivated. Some people, new to Bristol, had not yet met people and felt completely isolated; others had started new jobs during lockdown and were yet to meet their teammates in person, leaving them feeling disconnected. Even those who had previously worked from home reported feeling claustrophobic and unproductive.

The answers provided, in the hope of winning a membership, highlighted the negative physical and mental health impacts of the WFH lifestyle. Employees need a place to call the office for more than just fast wi-fi and ergonomically designed chairs. It seems people need people.

Perhaps it is a knock-on effect of the postCovid world, that we now place a higher value on human connection having been forced to go without social interactions for so long, or maybe we are experiencing a collective PTSD and the isolation of working from home has become a trigger for us.

Or could it be that we just want the best of both worlds, having now experienced both working from home and the office environment?

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT, THE FUTURE’S ORIGIN Whatever the motivation, the team at Origin are pleased to welcome new members who are seeking so much more than just a desk.

Origin Workspace is a destination worth leaving the house for; it’s a space for meeting new people, to feel inspired and productive and provides countless opportunities to grow social and business connections Ultimately, it offers an environment that fulfils a natural need to feel a part of something. n

Book a tour or a complimentary day pass online at originworkspace.co.uk or call 01174 400 400. *All quotes from competition entrants 2023 www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 61

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THE CITY’S HOTTEST BUSINESS NEWS

BUSINESS CLUB A story of succession.

With apples

THE CREATECH REVOLUTION

BUSINESS NEWS

The Bristol stories making the headlines

It’s all about fostering collaboration

LOOK ON THE BRIGHT CIDER LIFE EVERYTHING IN THE THATCHERS GARDEN’S LOVELY . . .

PHOTO @JONCRAIG_PHOTOS

CIDER HOUSE RULES At fourth-generation family dynasty Thatchers, it’s clear the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree…

Words by Georgia McGovern

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

AT A RECENT Bristol Life Network lunch held at the Harbour Hotel, MediaClash’s CE Greg Ingham quizzed Martin Thatcher – MD of Thatchers cider, and the fourthgeneration cider-maker in the business – on the ins and outs of running a successful family dynasty.

From its home base at Myrtle Farm in Sandford, Thatchers has been dedicated to honing the craft of cider-making since 1904, with the fifth generation no ready in the wings to keep the tradition alive.

Martin has farming in his blood, describing it not as a career, but an all-consuming way of life. It’s precisely this kind of immersive thinking that has propelled Thatchers into its top spot in the South West – the first time a non lager or beer has ever achieved the rating. It currently exports to over 20 countries around the world, producing over 100 million litres of cider.

NETWORK You know you’re a local icon when Aardman animate you: Thatchers’ current commercial shows Martin, life on Myrtle Farm and (of course) the Thatchers hot-air balloon

If you strip away all the layers of success and values, what you’ll find at the ery core of hatchers is family, from continuing to live on site, hosting regular business conversations around the kitchen table, to maintaining the annual tradition of wassailing.

Thatchers’ values are not just passed down through the bloodline.

Martin and daughter Eleanor spend a full day with every new employee joining the business, and make a point of being available, resent and in touch ith all staff, ensuring the culture and family ethos is spread to all corners. This even applies to the16-18-year-olds; Thatchers has just agreed to take on 22 more apprentices this September.

As Martin says, the business is We’re a little disappointed the ‘Katy’ isn’t a perry, mind

all about “training people for the next generation” and these young people have the opportunity to complete apprenticeships with three generations of the Thatcher family as mentors.

The business teaches seven principles. “Do the work and the money will follow,” is just one; make great cider customers will love, sell it at the right price, and the money will o e utation and doing the right thing are key to sustaining this family business.

Martin credits his father with setting the company on the right track – including the introduction of a non-executive director with perspective from outside the family, restoring the balance of decisions.

This is not the only lesson Martin has

learned from his family, inheriting from his grandfather the message that a money-making business can still be kind, generous and fair. his ethos in uenced the creation of the Thatchers Foundation, putting in over a million pounds over just four years, to ‘give back’ to the local people and infrastructure, changing people’s lives for the better.

Of course, with all family businesses comes the issue of succession. Few businesses reach the fourth, let alone fifth generation, but Thatchers has mastered the art of passing down responsibility.

Initially working at his uncle’s farm, Martin moved back to Myrtle Farm to manage deliveries, taking over duties from his father until, through a gradual transition, Martin was left in charge. A little less dramatic than the trials of Succession’s oy family, erha s, but a more satisfying outcome all round.

So, how will Martin address the future issue of passing the business down to his own children, Eleanor and Peter? He describes the moment of succession as a sweet spot: when you have built up comprehensive knowledge but no longer have the

DID YOU KNOW?

Thatchers cider has been made on Myrtle Farm since 1904.

When William Thatcher first began making cider his farm workers willingly accepted the amber nectar as part of their wages; perhaps not unrelatedly, they had a reputation of being ‘the best workers around’ . . .

“DO THE WORK AND THE MONEY WILL FOLLOW” MARTIN THATCHER Thatchers Cider

vigour to drive the business forward, that is when the next generation should step in with their energy and new ideas. The trick is not leaving too soon, but also not too late.

How will Thatchers look in the future? While keeping apples and pears at the heart of the range, it’s already expanded to include additional a ours such as orange and lemon, as well as the increasingly popular alcohol-free cider.

With tastes in the cider industry’s inevitably changing even before the next generation of apple trees mature, Thatchers strives to be ahead of the curve. And while the family rides itself already on its efforts in sustainability and regenerative agriculture, to push things even further, Martin’s son Peter has plans to make the Thatchers farm entirely self su cient through shifting the energy supply to biogas.

And the line running through all this growth and opportunity is the endeavour to remain a family business.

As Martin says, “from a family business point of view, it is not about now, it is about the future, about building a sustainable business.”

For more: www.thatcherscider.co.uk

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

NETWORK

THE CREATECH REVOLUTION It’s all about fostering collaboration and fuelling innovation, says SARAH ADDEZIO, innovation partner at Digital Catapult

B

ristol’s cultural vibrancy, commitment to inclusivity and ourishing creati e industries fuel its CreaTech ecosystem.

Alongside advancements in innovation, investment and thriving support networks, this makes it a blueprint for boosting local economies.

multinational technology company, announced its collaboration with Digital Catapult last month, which will see nine Bristol-based start-ups and s recei e u to , in y orld funding and a ackage of ider benefits to de elo ne digital tooling solutions for the creati e industries, addressing s ecific industry challenges aimed at boosting sectoral growth.

this level of innovation is critical to its long-term economic growth.

This is why Digital Catapult has implemented programmes in the outh est to connect local start u s with investors, larger businesses and relevant stakeholders. Our initiatives include its role as a partner in the agshi y orld rogramme hich looks to drive forward the future of screen-based and immersive media.

Skilled professionals are drawn to Bristol, driving the region’s success. The city has become a magnet for diverse talent, including students, experts, creatives, and innovators, and nurturing a vibrant innovation and investment scene focused on the creative industries, while fostering collaboration, is crucial. Bristol must actively pursue these goals to propel its CreaTech success.

The progress made in Bristol’s CreaTech industries has opened up numerous opportunities for the city’s workforce to acquire new skills and enhance their expertise. This has not only enriched the talent pool within the region but has also played a significant role in in uencing the investment decisions of larger international businesses In estment in the CreaTech industries will attract additional funding, resulting in a generation of new opportunities and positive social impacts, by reinvesting in local communities and driving innovation across multiple sectors.

The success of programmes in the South West such as y orld and the outh est Inno ation Partnership can largely be attributed to the strong foundations laid by Bristol. The city’s longstanding commitment to progress and innovation has created a fertile ground to add value to the region to support its success. Advancing these industries will be key to building on Bristol’s progress, and keeping the city competitive in the face of rapid technological advances and accelerated innovation elsewhere.

Innovative leaders are attracted to the city, and are investing in Bristol and the outh est, looking to develop pioneering solutions which will drive long-term economic growth and build on the innovation that already exists within the region or exam le, I I , the

Bristol has long been a pioneer of the tech and creative industries but in an increasingly competitive world, maintaining

Further development of the creative and technology communities in Bristol also has the potential to attract more talent from other major cities, which share the

same values that are synonymous with the city. Bristol has a vibrant cultural scene and its thriving creative and technology sectors have caught the eye of Londoners who value innovation, collaboration, and cooperation, but are looking for a more affordable alternati e Bristol was the third most popular city for Londoners to move to, according to ce for ational tatistics data, and as the city continues to establish itself as a pioneer in CreaTech, it’s likely to become an even more attractive destination for talented professionals to call home.

There is a significant opportunity to cultivate a thriving CreaTech community based on these shared values. This, in turn, can drive the success of the region as a CreaTech pioneer by creating a virtuous cycle and culture of creativity and innovation that attracts even more talent and investment to the city. This approach has not only established a more open and welcoming environment for indi iduals from different backgrounds, but has simultaneously introduced a range of benefits to the city’s CreaTech ecosystem too.

Bristol’s creative and technology communities are thriving, evident by the increasing number of businesses establishing a presence in the city to access its talented and creative workforce. By investing in these industries, attracting expertise and talent, and aligning with Bristol’s core values, the city can maintain its position as a leader in the CreaTech sector. This will contribute to long-term prosperity, and will establish a legacy of success.

For more information, you can learn about Digital Catapult’s work in the outh est through the y orld programme below.

For more: www.digicatapult.org.uk

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

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CHEERS . . .

ERR, DRIVE? he cutting edge technology behind the ’s first eet of autonomous buses no in ser ice and carrying assengers has been de elo ed by Bristol engineers he ife to dinburgh ser ice o erated by tagecoach no uses automated dri e systems from usion rocessing the orld leader in designing and building automated dri ing systems, situational a areness and control systems technology usion rocessing is art of the orth ro ect, a artnershi ith tagecoach rou , lexander ennis, rans ort cotland, a ier ni ersity and the Bristol obotics ab, based at uture ace the tech inno ation hub on Bristol’s renchay cam us, he ro ect uses usion rocessing’s control and sensor system as the buses ourney from a ark and ride, tra elling at u to m h and taking on such com lex tra c manoeu res as roundabouts, tra c lights and motor ay lanes “ e sa that disru tion as coming for the industry, so e de elo ed a start u hich ould sha e the future of automoti e technology, said usion rocessing founder and , im utchinson “ ur technology can be used on any ehicle, but there is a good commercial need for autonomous systems in the tra el and freight industries e’re orking ith rofessional eets hich are looking at using these systems to im ro e safety and customer ex erience hile also reducing ehicle emissions For more: www.fusionproc.com

FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION er the ast months, Bristol ood et ork, in collaboration ith the council and artners from grassroots organisations to businesses and academics, has de elo ed Bristol ood ood ne ity rame ork for ction, to guide and dri e for ard further change in the local food system and address these multi le challenges he rame ork aims to transform the city’s food system ithin the decade, su orting its ambitions on health, climate, biodi ersity and social ustice ood sits at the heart of many of the challenges facing our city, from food insecurity to obesity, and the ay that food is roduced, bought and sold, cooked and eaten, and dis osed of, contributes to the climate and ecological emergencies “ hat excites me about this rame ork for ction is that it embraces meaningful collaboration ith residents and communities, and thus truly ca tures

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

“WE SAW THAT DISRUPTION WAS COMING FOR THE INDUSTRY SO WE DEVELOPED A STARTUP THAT WOULD SHAPE THE FUTURE OF AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY” JIM HUTCHINSON Fusion Processing founder and CEO

hat good food looks like across Bristol, says llr llie ing, cabinet member ith res onsibility for ublic health and communities “I am roud to li e in a city hich has the ambition, ex ertise, di ersity and determination to achie e the goals set out in this frame ork he document sets out a ision for good food hich states that, “ s ell as being tasty, healthy, affordable and accessible, the food e eat should be good for nature, good for orkers, good for local communities, good for local businesses, and good for animal elfare Read more at www.bristolgoodfood.org

(L TO R) Iulia Manolescu and Lisa Jimenez of The Vench, with John Phelps of Grundon Waste Management

he users and staff at a ital community centre in an area of north Bristol ha e recei ed a funding boost from rundon aste anagement he ocklea e outh and lay ace kno n locally as he ench on omney enue no has a ne accessible entrance ram , sunken tram oline, a i a o en, essential ground orks and a hot ater system he orks follo , of grants from rundon to the centre’s management com any round ork outh, administered under the andfill ommunities und ogether the im ro ements ha e made the ital community centre more accessible for elderly users and children, ith the tram oline ro ing a articular hit ith younger isitors For more: www.grundon.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 71

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NETWORK BRISTOLS GOT TECH TALENT 16 cutting-edge Bristol start-ups promoted their innovative technologies at Tech-Xpo to an audience of in uential investors and business leaders on 28 June. o in its th year, ech o is the agshi itch, demo and connect showcase for the University of Bristol’s tech incubator SETsquared Bristol. The event at Bristol Harbour Hotel represented a diverse range of sectors, from healthtech to greentech ith a strong focus on tech for good “We’re delighted to celebrate a diverse range of innovation and talent at Tech-Xpo 2023,” said SETsquared Bristol director Kimberley Brook.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring our remarkable startup community together with the wider tech ecosystem to network, collaborate and support the region’s most promising innovators.”

For more: www.setsquared-bristol.co.uk

GOING UP Bristol’s Istoria Group has made two major new appointments at director level.

Silka Mitchell (inset, right) is the new group creative director, whilst Bryn Isaac has been named grou financial director.

Istoria Group, which became a B Corp last autumn, comprises exhibition and events specialists Ignition, known for being sustainable pioneers and as recipients of The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2020-25; hospitality and retail designers Phoenix Wharf, known for their work for regional operators such as Yeo Valley, The Bristol Loaf, Better Food and Spicer + Cole, as well as for national retailer SpaceNK and Apprentice winner Harpreet Kaur; and purposeful digital transformation experts Tiny Spark, whose virtual exhibit expertise during the pandemic helped Istoria survive the period’s challenging business conditions.

“The creative director at group le el as an im ortant role to fill and it as ro ing di cult to find the right candidate,” said Sam Rowe, Istoria Group’s CEO. ‘We were delighted to be introduced to Silka, who brings not only top London agency experience as a former director of both Brinkworth and Neu Architects, but also broad international experience, delivering projects in the commercial and public realms across Europe, Western Asia and China.

“Bryn is Bristol born and bred, and joins Istoria after eight years as financial director of e re earless, an integrated marketing agency specialising in sports, culture and music sponsorship and partnerships.” www.istoriagroup.com

Among the start-ups competing for Best Elevator Pitch was University of Bristol spin-out Rosa Biotech, which is transforming patients’ lives with its biosensing platform to detect life-threatening diseases

RISE OF THE MINIONS The corporate team from Bristol head uarterered la firm Burges Salmon has advised UK nanotechnology company Nium on its $3 million seed funding, which will enable the company to scale-up its green ammonia technologies.

Leading global agri-food-tech venture capital investor AgFunder led the round and is joined by one of the world’s foremost deeptech investors, DCVC. The Silicon Valley funds join existing pre-seed investors

in the UK and Europe, including Carbon13, in supporting Nium in its next phase of growth.

With this capital raise, Nium is assembling its first ’minions’ small scale, modular, low-energy consumption reactors to produce ammonia. The minions contain Nium’s patent-pending catalyst, delivering ammonia at a fraction of the price and pollution of traditional ammonia production methods.

For more: www.burges-salmon.com

RAISING THE BARR AWW Architects has submitted plans for the old Debenhams site overlooking the Bearpit. The scheme would see the building demolished and replaced with a scheme named Barr Street Bristol, made up of ne ats, o er of hich ould be classified as affordable The buildings would range from nine to 12 storeys, with the upper storeys set back, in the style of the Primark building; at the heart of the scheme would be a 28-storey building which AWW describe as “a new northern gateway into Broadmead”.

AWW says Barr Street Bristol would “transform the site into a green, attractive,

safe and vibrant place,” with the existing Barr Street turned into an pedestrian route connecting Bond Street with The Horsefair, and ground oor commercial s aces on the corners of the Horsefair, the roundabout frontage and along the new Barr Street. A two-storey community space has also been proposed, as a library and or health centre.

“With extensive landscaping and treeplanting, this new route would become a destination in its own right, with cafés and restaurants spilling onto the pedestrianised street,” said an AWW spokesperson.

Check out the plans and give feedback at www.barrsstreetbristol.co.uk

Experienced commercial property lawyer Amanda French has been appointed head of the retail and leisure sector team at Clarke Willmott LLP just a year after joining the national la firm manda, ho oined larke illmott as a artner in its Bristol o ce last year, s ecialises in ortfolio management and store development programmes for multi-national retail businesses and is also experienced in managing investment portfolios. www.clarkewillmott.com.

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

Moving home? Selling, buying or investing?

Looking for commercial premises to rent out?

Need a great architect or builder?

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SPONSORED CONTENT JAMIE WILLIAMS

JAMES DEAN

What do you specialise in?

We provide an alternative to traditional commercial office leases. Our licences allow businesses to grow and thrive in environments that are ready for purpose from day one, giving our customers the confidence to focus on their core business, without the faff of fluctuating utilities costs, building maintenance, or painful dilapidations bills.

What do you like most about your role?

I love transforming properties where it makes a difference to the owners and their family’s everyday life.

Architecture for me isn’t always about polished surfaces and acute angles, but how we live and interact with those spaces. A recent barn-conversion client sent me a video of their children playing and swinging from the trusses in an open plan kitchen-diner/living room we created; they were so happy with how they could use the space, and they even got paid to use the room as an aspirational-living backdrop for a VAX commercial.

BRISTOL OFFICE CO. 0117 379 0000; bristoloffice.co.uk

What makes your business different from others in the city?

An innovative approach to the workspace environment, that represents great value. Our proposition offers the right mix of support and autonomy – we provide the tools and flexibility that allow our customers to create spaces befitting of their brand and ways of working.

How can you transform a commercial property to benefit new hybrid working tendencies?

We assess the existing layout and design of every property in our portfolio to ensure its functionality as a centre for hybrid working. We then analyse each demise through the lens of a prospective target customer, installing the right access control, connectivity, break-out and meeting space to support a hybrid workforce. We foresee a return to at-office working over the coming years, but maybe not to pre-pandemic levels. It’s this uncertainty that makes flexible space the most viable choice for most businesses, allowing businesses to scale office space according to their changing needs.

WESTERN BUILDING CONSULTANTS 0117 329 4290; westernbuildingconsultants.com

Jamie Williams

What makes your business different from others in the city?

We have a truly multidisciplinary team of architects, structural engineers and building surveyors. This means we can help across a wide range of projects with homeowners, commercial clients and other architects, engineers and contractors. Our fees are competitive and we provide great added value for the projects we get involved with.

James Dean

What do you, personally, specialise in?

I personally specialise in architectural technology and party wall matters. I have extensive experience designing and remodelling people’s homes, barn conversions and commercial properties. Having the practical experience of developing several properties myself I love helping advise other developers.

ANNA BALL

VILLAGE DESIGN AND CREATIVE MARKETING LTD 0117 910 6050; villagedesign.co.uk What do you like most about your role?

As the client services director I am involved in all projects and no two days are the same. We can be working on the marketing of a local shared ownership housing development, to a country estate by the coast, or a London apartment scheme. One minute we’re brainstorming names for a new development, and the next, attending a meeting to present sales campaigns for an existing site. It is creative, diverse and fast-paced!

What projects are you currently enjoying?

There are lots, but two projects spring to mind that are interesting and enjoyable for different reasons. Firstly McArthur’s Yard, which is located on the Harbourside by the SS Great Britain. The site is on one of the final parcels of land close to the water, so it’s great to be involved in one of the last new developments in the area.

The developer, Guinness Homes, is a new client and we are very much enjoying working with the marketing team. The other is PG Group’s Ilsham Grange development in Torbay. This is a stunning scheme of 22 new and refurbished homes and 68 apartments, all set within 45 acres of mature grounds and located on its own headland. It has been exciting to see the development transform and we always look forward to a site visit!

Tell us about your business?

Village has been established for more than 40 years, but has moved with the times and offers all the services of a traditional agency combined with creative digital solutions, films and animations, social media and content creation.

What makes your business different from others in the city?

We specialise in property marketing. We have a team of people who understand what questions to ask and what suggestions to make in order to offer appropriate, creative solutions to our property clients’ marketing requirements. www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 75

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IVYWELL INTERIORS 07904 040276; ivywellinteriors.com What advice would you give someone looking to renovate their property this year?

Plan, plan, plan. We see home renovation as a journey. It can be a long and bumpy ride, so you want to be ready and surround yourself with people who are right for you and your project. It’s not just the quality of work, which should be a given, but it’s finding the individuals who will understand what you’re trying to achieve and accompany you through the process.

What do you like most about your job?

The variety. Bristol has some amazing houses, from Victorian and Edwardian gems to sustainable new builds and everything in between; it’s a fantastic playground for us to transform these beautiful spaces. It’s also the variety of client briefs. We’re always in awe of how daring, creative and inspiring our clients can be once we start the process. No two projects are the same, which keeps us on our toes and makes it fun.

What is it like to work with Ivywell Interiors?

We made a conscious decision to break from the industry norm of creating a signature style. The home should be as unique as the individuals, so rather than impose our style, our focus is to help clients define and achieve their vision for the space. We shape, filter and sometimes even challenge decisions, but it’s all about creating a dialogue to collaboratively understand the problems and implement solutions for our clients.

What’s the myth about interior design you’d like to debunk?

Perhaps the biggest misconception is accessibility. We’re very practical-minded and like to keep the process simple, breaking it down into digestible chunks to enable anyone to create a beautifully designed interior.

RUPERT OLIVER

HANNAH REDDEN

What do you like most about your role?

People and houses! It is the very best combination and one that the team and I enjoy immensely. To see some of Bristol’s best houses is in itself a huge privilege, but to then have the opportunity to get to know both our clients, and invariably our buyers, and then to put the two together is a fabulous opportunity.

We never lose sight of the huge trust our vendors put in us; moving home is one of the most stressful processes in life, and we deal with, quite often, their most valuable asset. It is therefore paramount that we get to know them and their needs, and then work as professionally and diligently as we can to achieve the very best result in often quite tight timescales.

What do you like most about your role?

It has to be the freedom and creativity at the heart of what I do. Not many roles allow so much flexibility while also enabling you to really delve into doing something you truly love.

RUPERT OLIVER PROPERTY AGENTS 0117 452 3555; rupertoliver.co.uk

What is the best project you have worked on in the last 12 months?

While not a single project per se I would say working in an ‘off-market’ capacity has been very exciting this past year. Usually we advise all clients to ‘go live’, but with such a dynamic market there is an argument now for more off-market campaigns.

In the past few weeks alone we have placed almost £10m of property under offer, off-market, which ties in with the above: getting to know our clients and our buyers. If we didn’t have the ‘black book’ contacts, and really know our sellers and buyers so well then offmarket opportunities simply wouldn’t work.

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

HANNAH REDDEN INTERIOR DESIGN 07751 933 426; hannahredden.co.uk

What makes your business different from others in the city?

I believe it all comes down to that personal touch and individual vision. When people book my services, they’re booking me and only me – there’s no corporate team behind the scenes. I have a background in textile design, so an understanding of fabrics, layering, depth, texture and colour weaves its way through each of my projects.

All these aspects play such a significant role in my interiors and design ethos.

Rupert Oliver

Hannah Redden

Tell us something about your business and why readers should contact you The word ‘bespoke’ is often overused, but because my business is all about making that personal connection between myself as a designer and my clients, every single project is entirely tailored to their needs. The clients’ wishes and desires always come first. I’m fairly unique in my industry in that I don’t simply offer a ‘look book’ or repeated offerings; I can’t work that way, as so much of my inspiration comes directly from the client’s likes and preferences. It’s that which shapes the design process and brings about the best results.

SPONSORED CONTENT NADINE STEVENSON

HANNAH WALKIEWICZ

What makes you different from others in your profession?

At Goughs our efficiency, self-motivation and dedication towards each individual transaction is unique. We pride ourselves on the level of service we provide to our clients. Personally, I am proactive in my approach and preempt situations which may cause delays.

How do you envisage the skyline of Bristol changing over the next five years?

Bristol is an incredible city; if it continues to grow as it has over the last five years we’re in for such a treat!

I can imagine some of the derelict buildings being transformed into full use. I also imagine that the growth of the city will stretch as far as Cribbs Causeway, over time.

GOUGHS SOLICITORS 01249 717884 www.goughs.co.uk

THE BUILD BRISTOL GROUP 01179 091969; www.thebuildbristolgroup.com

What should one do if the survey throws up any problems?

It is important not to jump to conclusions and ensure that you speak with the surveyor directly to understand the extent of the issues they’ve identified and then obtain quotes for any major works required, so you are well informed of the condition of the property and likely costs involved prior to committing to an exchange of contracts.

Nadine Stevenson

Tell us something about your company, and why people should contact you.

The Build Bristol Group is a collection of experienced designers, project managers, architects and builders.

We’re able to offer a turn-key service and help guide clients through the entire process.

What is your favourite part of the job?

I love the fast-paced nature of this area of law and enjoy being a legal advisor for a wide variety of clients, whether first time buyers getting onto the property ladder, families looking to upsize or investors looking for their next project. There is nothing more rewarding than helping clients with their property journey.

Hannah Walkiewicz

VIKKI OSBORNE

FACTORY NO.1 01174 530 217 Factorynumber1@cityandcountry.co.uk What do you like most about your role?

I really love selling homes. The variety is what I love most as no two days are ever the same.

Factory No. 1 has such a range of buyers; from local first-time buyers to investors and downsizers too – and we sell to people from a range of nationalities. This means that every day we are meeting so many interesting people from all walks of life – and for me, that’s one of the reasons I find the job so enjoyable.

What part of your work do you particularly enjoy?

I love dealing with our clients and enabling their dreams to become a reality. Often clients have a seed of an idea and just need some help to bring it to life. We’re able to do this with our brilliant in- house team of designers, architects and builders.

If you could buy a property anywhere in Bristol, where would it be, and why?

We love the St Andrews Park area. A huge green space, minutes from the Gloucester Road and the houses have so many original features.

What makes your business different from others in the city?

I’ve worked with City & Country for just over eight years, it’s a fantastic company and I am still just as passionate about it as I was when I first joined the business. First and foremost, I think the family-run aspect of the company allows us to have a friendlier approach with customers. Our beautiful conversion apartments are bespoke and individually designed – so we can really make each individual buyer feel quite special in their home. And of course, above all there is the superb specification that buyers just wouldn’t typically find with a standard new home - we really have gone all out at Factory No.1. A lot of our residents here tell us that it is this highquality finish which comes as standard that really sets us apart from other developments in Bristol – and a big reason why they chose to live here.

What are the key values of your business?

City & Country prides itself on quality and heritage – both key when transforming a beautiful former factory into exceptional homes like we have done at Factory No. 1. As well as this, one of our core values is ensuring that we provide the very best product – the craftmanship, quality and attention to detail we provide is second to none.

The high level of service we offer also really

stands out. Our focus on helpful incentives ensures that we are really able to assist our buyers and help them overcome any current market challenges. Many of our sales at Factory No. 1 are recommendations from friends who have bought previously – which is always a really positive sign that we are getting things right.

What bit of advice would you give to someone buying a property this year?

I would say that they should consider Bedminster as an investment area. The BS3 postcode is a prime location and one of the hottest property markets in the country right now. I would also underline that buying a new home comes with a wide range of benefits - it allows buyers to move chain-free, reducing any delays between purchasing a new home and selling their current property. A new home is a blank canvas, everything is brand new, so you don’t have to worry about any costly renovations often associated with a second-hand home.

There are also initiatives designed to help make buying a new home more affordable, and with a dedicated team to help you on your buying journey, there will always be an expert on hand. All of our homes also come with a two-year City & Country defects liability warranty, and a 10-year structural warranty, for complete peace of mind.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

A NEW APPROACH Andrew Minto believes LANDHAVEN is sparking a quiet revolution, focused on doing the right things.

S

trong design principles, quality craftsmanship, alongside respect for the environment and local community teamed with listening to investors and sellers makes Landhaven stand out from the property development crowd.

Founded by Andrew Minto, Landhaven is a Bristol-based property development company which creates beautiful high-quality homes which feel special, but also give great returns to their investors.

Capitalising on the success of his awardwinning architecture practice and eight years’ experience as a building inspector at North Somerset Council, Andrew’s unique experience and insight ensures he can manage everything from start to finish. From first concepts and planning permission through to funding and construction, then eventual sale or rental, Andrew is always trying to foresee potential problems and design better solutions to avoid costly mistakes or compliance issues further down the line. By being collaborative and flexible in his approach, whether building brandnew homes or adapting existing buildings, Landhaven creates exceptional homes for those looking to buy or rent in Bristol.

“We are challenging the traditional developer approach and nurturing more trusted, longerterm relationships,” says Andrew. “We put our faces to our brand name and introduce ourselves to local communities where we plan 78 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

to build. And we ensure our partners, investors and sellers have all the knowledge they need for every step of their journey with us. I love anything to do with buildings, and property development gives me control over how and what is built.”

A NEW APPROACH TO HOUSE-SHARE RENTING

“Our co-living brand Co-Haven is a nextgeneration approach to shared rentals. Gone are the days of grotty house shares; ‘in’ are high-end stylishly designed homes. Each housemate has their own generous double bedroom and en-suite bathroom, featuring built-in mood lighting along with stylish furniture. There are well-thought-out, beautifully styled communal spaces which are modern and luxurious, and extra-large kitchen diners with multiple appliances to accommodate co-living. Plus, modern gardens to entertain in. We believe everyone should be able to live well, including those renting.”

“We design every home we build to minimise environmental impact. From how we’re using energy and resources, to materials used and where they’re coming from. We look at how our homes, and the people living in them, can better connect with their natural environments.”

SELL TO US OR INVEST WITH CONFIDENCE

“If you own land or property and want to sell

some or all of it, we’ll help you maximise its value and support you every step of the way.

Pick up the phone or drop us an email; from there we can arrange an initial chat, perhaps over a cup of coffee. There is absolutely no obligation, it’s about exploring and understanding options. Ultimately doing good things together.” n

To book in your FREE, no-obligation appraisal of your land or property, or to explore investment opportunities, contact: office@landhaven.co.uk 0117 926 9997; Westbury-on-Trym.

Find out more at: www.landhaven.co.uk

PROPERTY

MIDCENTURY MODERN

Hold the farmyard kitchen; cancel the chintz. If we’re to move to the country, make it a 1970s idyll . . .

Words by Ursula Cole

W

e know that if we ever tire of Bristol it means we’ll be tired of life, but you don’t need to dwell slap-bang in the city centre to enjoy its urban delights. What if we told you that you could li e in a blissfully countrified setting, in touch with nature and the sound of birdsong, in a home that’s ust as chic as anything you’ll find on Harbourside, just a 15 minute drive from the metropolis? his en iable state of affairs can be yours if you become the new owner of this uniquely stylish threebedroom house at the edge of lax Bourton, ust fi e miles south est of Bristol ou’ll find the home hich doesn’t appear to possess anything as cutesy as a name,

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

PROPERTY though you might be tem ted to remedy this off Clevedon Road, at the end of a quiet lane which runs alongside open pasture. The village is 15 minutes on foot, Gatcombe Farm Shop is a two-minute drive away, and there are two local pubs within walking distance – The Bird in Hand and The George. he house itself offers a refreshingly stylish mid century alternative to the archetypal twee country cottage, with an exterior of red brick, cream-rendered walls and extensive glazing softened by luxurious foliage from mature trees and shrubs in the gardens.

Head through the front door into the central hallway, and you’ll find carefully restored oinery and an original wall of orange glass establishing its 1970s aesthetic.

Also typically mid-century is the determinedly unconventional layout; stairs in the centre of the hallway lead up to a set of bright living spaces on the first oor, ith off hite alls and carefully reser ed brick bond ar uet ooring o li ing s aces occu y each end of the house; pine cladding in the middle of the ceiling creates a focal point, accentuating the high pitched roof above.

Both rooms ha e their original metal fire laces with slate and stone hearths, and each has direct access to a balcony he first room is next to the central stairwell, where an Indian Bean tree is framed by a wide window out front; white, o en shel ing is fitted neatly into the corner

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

PROPERTY

he second room o s seamlessly from the central dining s ace, ith its crimson feature all and oor to ceiling indo s hich allo the tree cano ies to act as an e er changing backdro throughout the seasons ou don’t have to lace an ames egg chair in this s ace, but it ould be mildly criminal not to his home is all clean lines and cool minimalism, but ne er feels cold not ith all that ood and those orange accents n arch ay leads from the dining s ace to the kitchen ith its stainless steel to ed island, beech cabinetry and blue glass s lashback here’s also the most fabulous et room on this oor, enclosed by orange glass tiles

ou o r a r r ingl li i n ur al rna i o ar al oun r o ag 84 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

lee ing uarters are on the ground oor, in the form of one single and t o double bedrooms arge glass doors from both doubles o en to a south est facing garden room beneath the first oor balcony lined ith a all of angled indo s, this offers a sunny s ot irtually guaranteeing thri ing lants, hile arm terracotta tiling echoes the brick on the house’s exterior n outdoor staircase leads u to the balcony, and there’s also a large utility garden room o ce hate er you fancy room, ith access to the garden utside, alled courtyards and lant stre n terraces ha e onderful ie s across the surrounding o en countryside here’s a small greenhouse at one end, ust off a a ed inner courtyard enclosed by a lo terracotta all ith an arched gate, lending a editerranean feel to roceedings ature trees surround the lot, creating elcome da led light and shade s e mentioned, unlike many country ro erties this home doesn’t a ear to ha e a name maybe that’s something you could onder as you sit out in the terracotta garden ith some suitably mid century cocktail in hand an ld ashioned, erha s hile smugly contem lating your cle erness in ac uiring a home hich embraces the best of both ossible orlds

HOUSE NUMBERS Where: Flax Bourton Guide price: £985k Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Receptions: 3, plus garden room and garden walkway Outside: Balconies, terraces, walled courtyards, garage area; public garden in front www.themodernhouse.com

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

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

www.dnaproperties.co.uk

Transparent property management offering genuine cost savings with no compromise on service level standards

Sell to us. Invest with us.

Award-winning property development for future generations Our mission is to create design-led homes built well for a lifetime and beyond. And in doing so, fostering collaborative opportunities that work well for all involved.

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

www. bristolcityroofing.co.uk

We’re looking for people who have land or property with development potential in the Bristol area, and investors seeking a more rewarding way to invest.

We offer FREE development potential appraisals Online: www.landhaven.co.uk Email: office@landhaven.co.uk

FOR SALE

13 PERRY ROAD & 13 LOWER CHURCH ROW, BRISTOL SIGNIFICANT FREEHOLD OPPORTUNITY TO INCLUDE RETAIL SHOP, 2/3 BED MAISONETTE, AND 1/2 BED REAR ‘MEWS’

• Excellent location positioned between Bristol University, Bristol Royal Infirmary, and Bristol city centre.

• Comprising large ground floor shop, a self contained 2/3 bed maisonette, and rear self contained 1/2 bed mews • Suitable for investors and owner occupiers • High demand letting location • Freehold for sale — price on application

Further information can be obtained via the sole agent: Burston Cook: Julian@burstoncook.co.uk / Charlie@burstoncook.co.uk

(0117) 934 9977

RARE FREEHOLD OPPORTUNITY

131 WESTBURY ROAD, WESTBURY ON TRYM, BRISTOL, BS9 3AN A RARE FREEHOLD OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE IN WESTBURY ON TRYM

*LIVE ONLINE AUCTION WEDNESDAY 26TH JULY 2023 WITH OUR JOINT AGENT HOLLIS MORGAN*

• A prominent semi-detached period property on Westbury Road situated over three floors with a large rear extension and rear access • The freehold with vacant possession is available to purchase • Approximately 4,031 sq. ft • Situated in the affluent area of Westbury-on-Trym • Scope for a residential conversion subject to permissions • Guide price—£750,000 +

Further information can be obtained via the sole agent: Burston Cook: Julian@burstoncook.co.uk Charlie@burstoncook.co.uk

Hollis Morgan: Olly@holllismorgan.co.uk

(0117) 934 9977

BRISTOL LIVES

“I am not a morning person; if I have an early meeting, I have to get up around four or five am to be sure I am brainready ” JANE GUY

Jane’s worked at Harbourside hotel The Bristol for two decades – unfortunately for us she’s far too professional to gossip about the celebs who have passed through its doors, but she’s happy to talk about all the rest . . .

J

ane is the director of sales and marketing at The Bristol, the luxurious arbourside arm of the Doyle ollection hotel grou “I always say I’m like the mum of the hotel,” she says.

“I’ e been here for o er years It’s a s ecial lace to me, ith wonderful clients, a fabulous team and the backing of a great com any in he oyle ollection, hich rides itself on its arm ser ice My duties include romoting

all the elements in ol ed in the business, from bedrooms to meetings, from food to be erages, though ha ing been here so long I get in ol ed in many additional things ery day is different, which is the way I like it. I can be talking with CEOs and

executi e assistants from both global and local businesses about accommodation and meeting needs, hel ing local cou les ith edding lans, or strategising with the team for the business, months and e en years ahead The main events which see

eo le ocking to Bristol are the Balloon Fiesta and Bristol arbour esti al e sit right at the heart of e erything going on during the latter, and the ibe is fabulous reat roductions at the Bristol i odrome also always create a stir – we are delighted to see Hamilton coming next year

The city itself has changed immeasurably since I began at The Bristol, both

in the businesses based here and the leisure o ortunities

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no a ailable I don’t belie e hos itality itself changes, but the orld you o erate in does, and not e eryone has the hos itality gene. The Bristol’s brand of hos itality is more relaxed and far more ersonal e make eo le feel like indi iduals, and as if they are staying at their home from home.

restaurant. I wish we had time to go more often.

Our new bar Rick’s is a classic cocktail bar, which we say is “ins ired by golden times and faraway climes”. The name is a subtle nod to Rick’s Café mericain in Casablanca, but in general, it takes ins iration from mo ies and themes of tra el from a bygone era enings are the ideal time for date night, with signature cocktails for sundowners on the terrace, and at eekends e’ e ust launched a really ibrant brunch, ith li e music on Sundays.

I am not really a lover of shopping, but I do enjoy the

The hotel is right in the heart

of ‘real’ Bristol – the harbourside can’t beaten. There’s nothing better than sitting on the atio at Rick’s watching the world go by, or taking the short stroll to the argo units of a ing harf I love Box-E at Cargo. Tess and

Elliott just get it. They are such lo ely eo le and al ays looking at the betterment for others.

It starts with their genuine hos itality and goes through to the food and drink at the

I live near the fabulous Eastville Park, which leads on

down to the Frome Valley and nuff ills ou can ne er get bored of all the green walking routes you can take in this area, it’s lo ely to be close to nature

Tobacco Factory market on a unday, ith all the different traders each week.

I’m a sports fanatic and really

lo e being at shton ate Stadium cheering on the Bristol Bears.

I am not a morning person;

I find it hard to s eak coherently until around 10am, which means that if I ha e an early breakfast meeting, I ha e to get u around four or fi e am to be sure I am word- and brain-ready.

Immediately after answering these questions I’m going to

get a at hite coffee my oison if it’s too early for gin), then ha e a catch u ith the team on business le els and ins, then s end the rest of the day s eaking ith our lo ely clients and u dating them on all things The Bristol.

www.doylecollection.com