The Bristol Magazine March 2026

A NIGHT ON THE TILES

Watch a

52

Meet Tristan Ralph, Clifton Suspension Bridge’s

What’s occurring, who’s who and what’s what?

The primary palette is in this Spring, and we’ve got some bright looks to bolster your wardrobe

We hear from Five Mile Films, the team behind Channel 4’s award-winning The Dog House

To be! We get straight to the point with The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) at the Old Vic

Make sure March is nice and

Check out Longwell Records’ new store that’s just opened in Clifton Arcade

Arist Frank Morris has been drawing our city pubs and championing their role in the community

62

Our friends at Gloucester Road Books present five cracking texts to add to your ‘to be read’ pile

From ancient Egyptian cities to remote Atlantic coastlines, Captain’s Choice is waiting to whisk you away

68 ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER Queer Hiking Bristol was popular before it had even held its first official walk. We hear from its founder...

74 WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Andrew Swift ventures around Frenchay on a walk that’s more challenging than it may first appear

78 SPRING GREENS

A selection of seasonal items to spruce up your home

80 DEIRDRE DYSON

Emma Clegg meets the internationally-recognised designer

84 SS26 INTERIORS GUIDE

Our special directory of experts are waiting to help you with your home and garden projects, big and small

Lady from Channel 4 series The Dog House

Publisher Steve Miklos

Email: steve@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Financial Director Jane Miklos

Email: jane@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

EDITOR from the

Are you a dog or a cat person? Perhaps you’re a bit of both – or maybe you can’t stand animals at all. If you fall into the latter group, I can only apologise for the offending content you’re about to digest in this month’s issue, as there are plenty of paws in store.

Though I have a cat at home, he’s got the appetite of a Labrador, the alertness of a German Shepherd (even if his mission is solely to seek out an ungodly amount of head scratches) and the agility of, well, an English Bulldog. I guess his inner dog won’t mind how much canine content that’s been let loose in March’s mag, then. We’ve got behind the scenes access to the latest Channel 4 series of The Dog House (p.22) – which is proudly produced by local filmmakers Five Mile Films – and they’re on the hunt for the next round of adoptive dog folks. Could that be you?

Behaving ever so well next to that conversation is a collection of gifts (p.26) for the dog lovers in your life, whether you want to set tails wagging with themed art, cute socks or something else entirely.

You can also spot a pop-mad pup on the pages of our chat with the owner of Longwell Records, Iain Aitchison (p.34), who’s just made the move to Clifton from Keynsham – and has now adapted his iconic dog logo to now include the nearby Suspension Bridge.

Dogs and pubs go rather well together, too, don’t they? So why not take your pooch along to one of the inns captured on paper by artist Frank Morris, who shares (p.42) what he’s learnt about the nature of our city’s humans through the lens of ‘the local’.

For anyone who’s got a furry friend needing to burn off excess energy – lace up your walking books and head for the hills fresh with inspiration after reading the heart-warming story behind walking group Queer Hiking Bristol (p.68). And seeing as we’re on the subject, did you know that one of the world’s most-famous dogs from the iconic gramophone HMV logo was actually a mixed-breed Terrier from Bristol called Nipper, who lived in Montpelier? His ankle-biting days may be well behind him, but you can still spot a commemorative statue above the Merchant Venturers Building on the corner of Park Row and Woodland Road. In the immortal words of Blackadder’s Lord Flasheart: ‘Woof!’.

Rosanna Spence

Editor Rosanna Spence

Tel: 0117 974 2800

Email: rosanna@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Digital Editor India Farnham

Email: india@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Production Manager Jeff Osborne

Email: production@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales Liz Grey

Email: liz@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

For advertising enquiries, please contact us on 0117 974 2800 Email: sales@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

The Bristol Magazine is published by MC Publishing Ltd. An independent publisher.

Every month, The Bristol Magazine is hand delivered to more than 15,000 homes in selected areas. We also deliver direct to companies and businesses across the city. Additionally, there are many places where we have floor-stands and units for free pick-up: The Bristol Magazine 0117 974 2800

5 things

Watch Shakespeare

Directed by Tobacco Factory Theatres’ Artistic Director Heidi Vaughan, a bold new production of Macbeth is charged with her signature ensemble approach – rooted in collaboration, humanity, and emotional depth. Darkly pagan in tone, the soundscape beats with the rhythm of ritual and prophecy: “A drum, a drum! Macbeth doth come!” And though the play descends into shadow, Heidi’s work always seeks out the spark of resilience –leaving audiences provoked, moved, and unexpectedly uplifted. On until 28 March.

tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Listen to choral music

Described by Parry as ‘the mightiest choral work ever written’, the Mass in B minor by J.S. Bach is unquestionably one of the keystones of the repertoire. Bristol Bach Choir will perform this eternally fresh masterpiece with the Bristol Ensemble on Baroque Instruments on 21 March (7.30pm). The acoustics of St George’s (BS1 5RR) will be the ideal place in which to hear this work with its wide-ranging textures of arias, ensembles and choruses and to wonder again at Bach's seemingly bottomless source of inspiration. Tickets and information from bristolbach.org.uk

Give golf a go

Curious about golf? Start at Bristol & Clifton Golf Club: no pressure. Just fun. Bristol & Clifton Golf Club (BS8 3TH) is inviting women of all ages to go along and discover golf in a relaxed and friendly environment. The women-only golf taster sessions are designed especially for beginners and anyone thinking about giving golf a try, with upcoming Sunday sessions on 8 and 22 March (10.15am until 12pm). You’ll get a friendly welcome and coffee, a beginner’s lesson with a golf professional, getting some time on the driving range and the chance to meet other women starting out. Book your free place online bristolandclifton.co.uk/womensgolftaster

Reimagine a Greek tragedy

Kae Tempest’s Paradise is an epic and uncompromising modern reimagining of Sophocles’ ancient Greek tragedy Philoctetes. The play relocates the classical tale of war, honour, and betrayal to a desolate, contemporary setting, an island ravaged by conflict and potentially climate change that functions as a modern-day refugee camp or dumping ground. Tempest infuses the script with their characteristic poetic, streetwise language, delivering sharp commentary on global issues such as social injustice, closed borders, and consumerism. Performed by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School 14-21 March at The Station (BS1 2AG)

Book tickets online at oldvic.ac.uk

Cheer on the Women’s League Cup Final

The 2026 Subway® Women’s League Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester United will be played at Ashton Gate Stadium on 15 March, kicking off at 2.15pm and broadcast live on BBC One and Sky Sports. Chelsea booked their place in the final by running out 1-0 winners over Manchester City at the Joie Stadium late last month, with Manchester United running out winners by the same scoreline over Arsenal at Meadow Park that same night. Chelsea supporters have been allocated the South Stand at Ashton Gate, with Manchester United fans to be positioned in the Atyeo Stand. Book tickets at bristol-sport.co.uk | More info via wslfootball.com

The Cityist

MyBristol

Meet Tristan Ralph, the new Bridge Master at Clifton Suspension Bridge

I have lived in Bristol for more than 25 years and it is a great place to be. I first moved here for work and to be a little bit closer than I was to my family in Cornwall. I used to play in brass bands and visited Bristol many times when I was younger to take part in the regional qualifying for the National Brass Band Championships.

I find Bristol a relaxing city to be in and there is always plenty happening. It is also great to have all the city amenities available, but it really doesn’t take long to escape to the countryside to enjoy all that has to offer.

I wouldn’t change too much about the city… Maybe I would pick it all up and move it a bit closer to Cornwall to reduce my travel time when visiting family and friends!

I really enjoy Spanish food, so tapas places such as Muiño and Bravas, both on Cotham Hill, and Gambas at Wapping Wharf are all favourites. I love to visit St Nicholas Market when I can, too, as there are so many interesting shops and alternative food outlets to try. You will go a long way before you find a better takeaway lunch than a wrap from Matina.

To really escape the city, I love spending some time near the sea as I sometimes miss the sound and smell of the ocean. The Gower Peninsula, and walking on the great beaches there, is somewhere I really enjoy visiting. I also really enjoy mountain biking, so when I can I like to get out on the bike to blow away those cobwebs.

I cannot put my finger on why, but I’ve always been fascinated by the Purdown BT Tower. As a bridge engineer, I find the history of the Ashton Avenue Bridge very interesting; it is difficult to imagine now that it was once a double deck swing/opening bridge with rail traffic on the lower level and a highway above. I would usually also go to the Clifton Suspension Bridge when I was looking to feel inspired. Maybe I’ll need to think of an alternative as I am now working here on a daily basis!

In my new role as Bridge Master, in the short term I am looking forward to the completion of the commissioning of the new energy-efficient lighting system we are installing. Going forward, over the coming years we have several essential projects necessary to ensure the longevity of the bridge, and I am very much looking forward to working with our teams to get these done. I am an engineer by background, and it is the technical challenges that I most enjoy.

cliftonbridge.org.uk

Listen up, ladies: comedian Dani Johns wants your stories for history-making new project

We know that Bristol’s women have always had stories worth telling, and now there’s a joyful new project from local comedian Dani Johns who’s determined to make sure they’re finally heard.

Ark At She! is Dani’s love letter to the city’s working-class women: the grafters, the rule-breakers, the community-builders and the unsung legends who rarely make it into the history books. Supported by Arts Council England and Bristol Museums, the project is digging into Bristol’s past to uncover the warmth, wit and quiet brilliance of women whose lives shaped the city in ways big and small.

Dani’s looking past famous names, grand statues and Nobel Peace Prize-worthy winners, choosing instead to focus on finding the extraordinary in the everyday. Ark At She! celebrates humour despite hardship, humanity alongside history, and will no doubt deliver its findings with a generous helping of Dani’s iconic Bristol sass.

Crucially, Dani (who is a regular at the UK’s top comedy clubs and co-director of Best in Class, an initiative dedicated to supporting and celebrating working-class comedians) wants local women to help shape the project. Right now, she’s inviting people, and particularly those from under-represented backgrounds, across the city to send in stories: be it their own, their mum’s, their nan’s, their neighbour’s. If the woman is working class, has a connection to Bristol and has a story that deserves to be heard, Ark At She! wants to hear it.

Those shared stories will help determine what the project becomes next. It might evolve into an exhibition, an oral history, a live performance – or something entirely unexpected. Whatever the final form, one thing is certain: it will be proudly Bristol and rooted in real voices. To get involved, nominations are open now via an online form on Dani’s website.

You can get a first taste of Ark At She! at a special public event at M Shed Museum on International Women’s Day (7 March, 2pm) where Dani will share early research and selected stories in a funny, heartfelt talk celebrating Bristol’s forgotten working-class women through laughter, silliness, tongue-in-cheek storytelling and plenty of well-researched facts. If you enjoy history with a sense of humour, and believe women’s stories deserve centre stage, Ark At She! is certainly one to watch and become part of.

Submit a story at danijohnscomedy.com/arkatshee. Tickets for Dani’s talk are available at bristolmuseums.org.uk.

New hotel to transform care for region’s sick children

The Grand Appeal has commenced works on the UK’s first purpose-built Patient Hotel for sick children and babies in the city, with diggers now on site enabling contractors Pennys Group to begin excavating works just off Southwell Street. This pioneering development for Bristol Children’s Hospital will allow patients to stay with their families and receive outpatient ongoing therapy and rehabilitation once they no longer require around-the-clock in-patient care in the hospital.

It is set to be transformational for young patients and their families across the South West and South Wales, and complement the expert treatment, therapy and rehabilitation offered in the children’s hospital. As the first of its kind in the UK, this unique development will set a benchmark for ‘step-down’ facilities for patients after long, or repeated hospital stays.

grandappeal.org.uk

Women’s Rugby World Cup brings business boom

Bristol scored its own win at last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup alongside England’s Red Roses. A new report commissioned by World Rugby has confirmed a record £47.7million was generated for our local economy by hosting the matches, the highest total impact of any host city outside of London. The impact report analyses spend across several key local economy sectors including food and drink, shopping, flights, transport, accommodation and entertainment to obtain the total economic impact figure of £47.7million for Bristol –£10.9million more than the average total economic impact across the host cities.

visitbristol.co.uk | visitwest.co.uk

Local author releases debut thriller

Tracy Maton has released her debut novel, a ‘darkly seductive thriller’ about identity, desire and the danger of wanting more. With sharp social observation, sly humour and shocking twists, this debut has been praised as ‘beautifully written and suspenseful with sinister Highsmith vibes’ (Caroline Hulse) and ‘dark, clever and utterly compulsive’ (Guy Morpuss). It’s been recommended for readers seeking the next The Talented Mr Ripley. According to her publisher Viper Books, The Artful Anna Harris will quietly rearrange your assumptions, and linger long after the final page.

Available now in hardback, eBook and Audiobook viperbooks.co.uk

Experience Brunel's vision from new heights

This month marks the welcome return of SS Great Britain’s Rig Climb Experience: Go Aloft. Daredevils are invited to climb the rigging of Brunel’s great vessel for breath-taking views across the historic harbourside and an unforgettable, hands-on experience – the bravest climbers can edge out onto the main yard – taking them 9 metres across the Great Western Dockyard! This unique adrenaline-fuelled activity complements the award-winning heritage attraction where visitors can explore the legendary steamship, discover global migration stories and Brunel’s legacy in two interactive museums, and venture beneath the 'glass sea' to see the original iron hull. Each climbing session will last around 30 minutes and is limited to two climbers at a time.

Booking in advance is recommended – plan your visit at ssgreatbritain.org

Aviva Arena to bring live music to 1.4m people each year

YTL Live, the operating company for the new live entertainment complex in north Bristol’s Brabazon development has confirmed insurer Aviva as the new partner of its capacity indoor arena.

The landmark and long-term multi-million-pound sponsorship agreement secures naming rights for the venue, which will be known as Aviva Arena when it opens in late 2028. It will be one of the largest venues in the country and a first of its kind for the West of England. An estimated 1.4 million people are expected to attend live music, sports and entertainment at Aviva Arena each year. Work has already commenced at the Brabazon Hangars, birthplace of all the UK’s Concorde supersonic jets. avivaarena.co.uk

The Berkeley Square Hotel finishes refurb and adds new room type

The Grade II-listed Berkeley Square Hotel has completed a refurb, with a new Cosy Double room type now available to book (pictured). Designed for single occupancy, these rooms provide a practical retreat for professionals and city travellers seeking a comfortable base in the heart of the city. Each Cosy Double features a double bed dressed with plush cushions and a luxurious bedspread, bespoke curved headboards incorporating a seating area, handcrafted sofas, complimentary organic tea, freshly ground coffee or a glass of Bristol Cream Sherry. Other amenities include complimentary high-speed Wifi, TV, Roberts Radio and a fullystocked minibar. The bathrooms have also undergone a complete renovation, featuring upgraded facilities and décor, including Elemis toiletries in every bathroom. cliftonhotels.com/berkeley-square

Fresh campaign from St Peter’s Hospice

St Peter’s Hospice has launched a major new fundraising campaign ‘44 Days’ to shine a light on the time patients spend under their care, and highlight the difference Hospice support can make when time is short.

Forty-four days is the average amount of time someone spends at St Peter’s Hospice, and the charity aims to fill those days with light. By managing pain, symptoms and the day-to-day admin that comes with complex medical needs, Hospice nurses allow people with serious illnesses to focus on living during their last days. The campaign, which is asking supporters to donate vital funds towards hospice care, is all about quality time together, and asks people to consider what really matters when time is limited. The campaign calls on the local community to help fill someone’s final days with comfort, dignity and love.

To support the campaign and donate, visit stpetershospice.org

New Bristol-set series coming to ITV

A new six-part psychological drama starring Eve Myles (pictured, The Crow Girl, Hijack, Torchwood), and David Morrisey (The Long Shadow, Sherwood, Britannia), is coming to ITV from 8 March, set against the backdrop of a prestigious private school, a foreboding forest and the quiet sprawl of Bristol.

Gone is a chilling mystery focusing on local Headmaster Michael Polly, played by David, who becomes the prime suspect in his wife Sarah’s disappearance. An upstanding member of the community, Michael is inscrutable and likes order and precision in his working life. Until, that is, he encounters super bright, gutsy Detective Annie Cassidy, played by Eve, and a compulsive game of cat and mouse begins as she chips away at his veneer in search of the truth. Gone is directed by Richard Laxton and is co-produced by New Pictures (an All3Media company) and George Kay’s Observatory Pictures, in association with All3Media International. itv.com

JIGSAW

Crumpled Drop Earringe £55, jigsaw-online.come

MANGO,

Signature V-Neck Sweatshirt, £22.99, johnlewis.com0

WHITE STUFF0

Pictured opposite, left to right, top to bottom: WHISTLES Cotton Rich Button Front Cardigan, £99, marksandspencer.com;

SEASALT CORNWALL Makers

Cotton Jumper, £49, seasaltcornwall.com; BARBOUR Amanda Double

Faced Wool Blend Shacket, £179, johnlewis.com; M&S Striped Round Neck

Knitted Slim Fit Top, £33, marksandspencer.com;

NOBODY’S CHILD Mona

Ruffle Neck Midi Dress, £89; FLORERE Lace Detail Midi Dress, £248, johnlewis.com

Rachel Ruched Tee, £35, whitestuff.com0

MINT VELVET

Cashmere Blend Triangle Knit Scarf, £25, johnlewis.com0

SEASALT CORNWALL. Bird Flight Collared V-Neck Jumper £69.95, seasaltcornwall.coms

Prime Position

It’s official: primary colours are in. But these looks go beyond the basics, with vibrant statement pieces designed to stand out and sit effortlessly alongside soft neutrals. Rich tomato, emerald shine, striking cobalt blue and golden yellow are reimagined in polished textures, sculptural shapes, perfectly reflecting that early Spring light...

M&S, Straight Mini A-Line Skirt, £30, marksandspencer.com,

MINT VELVET, Cotton Wide Leg Jeans, £99, johnlewis.com,0

ANTHROPOLOGIE

Satin Bow Slingback Heels. £120, anthropologie.com

JOHN LEWIS. Ruched Flapover. Leather Crossbody Bag £119, johnlewis.com.

NOBODY’S CHILD, Pure Cotton Shirred Midaxi, Tiered Dress, £89, marksandspencer.com0

Mother knows best

From luxury fragrances, luscious lipstick shades to magical creams, we pick some new products guaranteed to make mum feel gorgeous

New from CHANEL, the Denim make-up collection

With the launch of the Denim make-up collection, Chanel gives this iconic fabric a whole new expression. It’s all about the freedom and the sense of liberty that denim represents – from vibrant blues, powdery pinks to shimmery gold and silvers, each shade captures a mood, an aura, and an irresistible allure. Featured here, for the nails, Le Vernis Légende – lends itself to any style and the finishing touch of an all-denim look. Apply two coats for a deep and intense metallic blue. £30. Find Le Vernis Légende and more from the new Denim collection at: chanel.com/gb

LOOKFANTASTIC The Mother’s Day Edit

The one you call first. The one who’s opinion you always value (even when they’re too honest). The one you still turn to. We didn’t say her name, but you know who we mean. The Mother's Day Edit is the perfect gift for the one who deserves the very best in beauty. Curated with her in mind, featuring favourites from The White Company, Clinique, ELEMIS and more. Worth £180, yours for £50. Available from LOOKFANTASTIC, Cabot Circus, Ground Floor, Brigstowe Street, BS1 3BH. lookfantastic.com

BRAMLEY Wellness Tent

This prettily illustrated Wellness tent from Bramley contains all you need to bring a well-deserved glow of wellbeing into your life. It’ll help you recreate the feeling of going away to a beautiful summer wellness retreat and makes a wonderful present as it's full of all the products needed to enjoy some precious wellness time. The keepsake tent contains: 100ml pillow spray, 30ml soothing bath, body and shower Oil, 50ml bubble bath, 100ml body lotion, 15g mini calm balm and a 30g travel candle. £52. bramleyproducts.co.uk

JO MALONE

English Pear & Freesia Cologne

NEOM Wellbeing Perfect Night’s Sleep Scented Candle

Made of pure vegetable wax and natural oils, the candle has a calming fragrance of English lavender, sweet basil and jasmine to balance your senses and promote deep, restful sleep. Featuring three wicks, the 420g candle will burn for up to 50 hours, so you can enjoy the calming aroma day after day. £44. Available from LOOKFANTASTIC, Cabot Circus, Ground Floor, Brigstowe Street, BS1 3BH. lookfantastic.com

New! Phyto-Rouge Shine Shades from SISLEY

The sensuous eau de toilette opens with the mellow freshness of just-ripe Pear cocooned in a blossom of cool white Freesias, an accord that lends the EDT a delicate yet distinctive scent. Patchouli, a deep, woody note, takes hold at the base to create a sensual, timeless and lasting cologne.100ml, £122. Available from LOOKFANTASTIC, Cabot Circus, Ground Floor, Brigstowe Street, BS1 3BH. lookfantastic.com

Whether a delicate shine, a satin or a bold matte, the finish of a lipstick can transform your look and modify your mood. Between the three Sisley lipstick families – Phyto-Rouge Shine, Phyto-Rouge and Phyto-Rouge Velvet – there’s a finish and shade to cater to every occasion and makeup sensibility. Sisley has a brand-new shade extension of their Phyto-Rouge Shines available in [above, left to right ] 43 Sheer Scarlet, 26 Sheer Bel Air and 14 Sheer Acajou. priced at £48 each. Find out more at: sisleyparis.com

Stockists in Bristol include 81 Queens Road Clifton, BS8 1QS

GIVE GOLF A GO

No clubs. No pressure. Just fun.

Bristol & Clifton Golf Club invites women of all ages to come along and discover golf in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Our COMPLIMENTARY women‐ only golf taster sessions are designed especially for beginners and anyone thinking about giving golf a try.

✓ Friendly welcome & coffee

✓ Beginner lesson with a golf professional

✓ Time on the driving range

✓ Meet other women starting out

Sundays | 10:15am – 12:00pm

• 8th March

• 22nd March

• 7th June

• 27th September

Bristol & Clifton Golf Club

Beggar Bush Lane, BS8 3TH

Book your free place: www.bristolandclifton.co.uk/ womensgolftaster

Led by our friendly team at Bristol & Clifton Golf Club

Ali Brooks – Women’s Captain

Diana Sayner – Women’s Vice Captain

If you wish to buy Diamond or Gold items – we will Part Exchange your 9ct Gold items at £48 per gram (current market value £35 per gram - at time of going to press) Visit Terry Cox at Clifton Village Antiques, Unit 2, Clifton Arcade

March Special

Who let the dogs out?

Local production company Five Mile Films has indeed let the pups loose, in the form of award‐winning, heart‐warming Channel 4 series The Dog House, which is returning for a new series and is sniffing out new potential re‐homers...

Did you know there’s an estimated 10.6 million dogs in the UK? That equates to – very, very roughly –one dog for every six people. And, as we know, inevitably and sadly not every dog has a loving home. According to Five Mile Films, the Cliftonbased production company behind the RTS award-winning and BAFTA-nominated Channel 4 series The Dog House, “the number of dogs being given up for rehoming is at a record high”, rising living costs have put many rescue centres under unprecedented pressure. Last year, more than 47,000 people contacted Dogs Trust about giving up their dog, and the RSPCA reports the number of dogs in their care has doubled since 2020.

But it’s not all bad news: the Five Mile Films team say that the impact of dog ownership remains overwhelmingly positive: 90% of owners say their dog improves their life; 86% say it boosts their physical health; and 88% say it benefits their mental wellbeing. And that’s why the producers have dog treats to hand and cameras ready to film another series of The Dog House – a show dedicated to shining a light on the life-changing power of rehoming – and they’re inviting you (yes, you, dear reader) to apply for the next series.

“The Dog House demonstrates the scale and complexity of what rehoming a dog responsibly involves; from the moment they are given up, to carefully being matched with a suitable owner,” says series producer Kay Green.

“The series highlights the importance of finding the right match rather than a quick solution, which is essential for managing the growing numbers faced by rehoming charities.”

Filmed at Woodgreen Pets Charity in Cambridgeshire, The Dog House follows the uniquely moving moment a person meets – and is matched with – the dog who could become part of their life. From families seeking a new four-legged friend

to individuals rebuilding after bereavement, every story reveals the extraordinary bond that can form between humans and dogs. And as viewers know, it’s often the humans who feel ‘rescued’ too.

“What stays with me most is seeing the impact a dog can have on someone’s life,” notes the series’ director Paddy Flanagan, reflecting on previous episodes. “A dog can restore purpose and focus, giving people who have felt stuck or disconnected a reason to get out, walk, and re-engage with the world. Often, after someone has been through something quite dramatic in their life, you can see their world slowly begin to open up again — simply through having a dog.”

Kay, Paddy and the team’s casting researcher Andrei Herea are keen to emphasise that The Dog House looks “beyond first impressions to show what's really involved in adopting a rescue dog. Careful, thoughtful rehoming takes time, and when the right match is found, it can make a lasting difference for both dog and owner. We hope contributors [people applying to appear on the show] know they'll be met with understanding and support throughout their journey, whether or not they find the right match.”

Man’s best friend

Though not everyone is a self-professed dog person, there’s no denying that humanity’s connection to canines has history rooted in our evolution – and this love story is by no means over.

“We love dogs partly because they are unapologetically themselves, emotionally open and loyal – like young children with a natural innocence about them,” says Kay. “Whatever the circumstances behind a dog arriving at Woodgreen Pets Charity, the shared hope is always the same: to see that dog move from a place of need into a loving home.

“And often, it isn’t just the dog that gets rescued – the humans do too,” adds Andrei. “And watching this process is what we hope resonates with viewers.”

Seeing as the Five Mile Films team is involved with these relationships from the very moment the first connections form, we wanted to know how

it feels to witness such emotional, lifechanging moments up close?

“Some of the most unforgettable moments on The Dog House happen quietly,” notes Paddy. “A dog meets a new human, and in that instant, something clicks. You feel the hope, the nerves, the emotion… and it’s hard not to be moved. But what really sticks isn’t the scene itself. It’s knowing this is the start of a real relationship, one that will grow long after the cameras have gone.”

The trio note how central these quieter moments are to the storytelling.

“The series isn’t about instant transformations and theatrics but about small meaningful changes,” says Andrei. “Confidence building, easing loneliness, joy in everyday ways. It’s in these moments that you really see the depth of the relationship forming between human and dog.”

Old dogs, new tricks

A crucial, positive impact that The Dog House has had on audiences when it comes to attitudes towards rescue dogs and adoption is that it’s helped challenge the idea that rescue dogs are ‘problem dogs’.

“We regularly hear from viewers who say they hadn't previously considered adoption but felt encouraged to do so after watching the series,” Kay explains. “By showing dogs from a wide range of situations and how they respond when placed in the right environment, the programme helps to reset expectations around rescue dogs. It also shows that with patience and realistic expectations, adopting a rescue dog can be a brilliantly rewarding experience.”

The show is undeniably uplifting, but it also demonstrates that rehoming isn’t always straightforward, presenting Five Mile Films with the challenge of balancing honesty with hope. Paddy acknowledges that rehoming a dog isn’t always simple: “Just like with humans, relationships can flourish or fall flat! A match might look perfect on paper, but when the meeting happens, it just

doesn't blossom, and it's important to be honest about that.”

The series shows the full range of outcomes, “from love at first sight to the non-starters”, the trio notes.

“What matters is that everyone is working towards the same goal, of finding the right home for every dog,” adds Andrei. “By showing the process honestly, the series offers hope without oversimplifying the realities of rehoming and underlines how meaningful it can be when the right match is found.”

Huge story, small screen

Has all this talk of adopting a furry friend got you thinking about your own situation at home? Five Mile Films is on the hunt for any dog lovers willing and able to “open their heart and home to a rescue dog – and to share their reasons for doing so – whether they are individuals, couples, families, friends or someone looking for a new best friend for their dog”.

People of all ages and levels of experience are welcome, from first-time dog parents to those who’ve shared their lives with dogs before. “Basically, anyone who feels they have a dog shaped hole in their life,” adds Andrei.

In terms of how things unfold behind the scenes, Five Mile Films captures the series’ events using fixed-rig cameras, with no camera operators present, so real moments can be caught as they happen. “Very often, people forget the cameras are even there, allowing the experience to unfold naturally and honestly,” says Paddy.

And for anyone who loves the programme, but isn’t in a position to adopt, the team is keen to promote other ways to support rescue centres and animal welfare organisations.

Even without adopting, there are plenty of meaningful ways to support them, the trio tells us. “Engaging with and sharing their work online plays a real role in keeping their work visible. Simply being informed and supportive helps charities continue the work of rehoming and caring for dogs, responsibly.”

Though the rehoming centre featured in The Dog House is outside of our region, the team is proud of its home city’s influence that can be felt in every project it embraces.

“Most of the team is homegrown, and we're committed to developing local talent, including through a work experience programme with UWE and the University of Bristol,” says Paddy. “That sense of place brings with it a strong sense of care and social awareness which naturally influences the types of programmes we choose to make. It's rewarding to see this work resonate far beyond the South West.”

The show’s popularity may have reached every outpost of the UK, but involvement can still be felt on a hyper local level – and people from Bristol who feel they could offer a forever home to a rescue dog (and don’t mind sharing your story on TV) are being encouraged to get in touch with Five Mile Films and set tails wagging. n

If you’re interested in taking part in the next series of The Dog House, you can apply online at c4thedoghousetakepart.co.uk or email thedoghouse@fivemilefilms.co.uk. All images provided courtesy of Five Mile Films.

fivemilefilms.co.uk | @five_mile_films | @thedoghouse_c4

Paw Print Gold Plated Drop Hoop Earrings0 £36, oliverbonas.com0

Power Dogs. Recycled Bag, £13.95 shop.bristolmuseums.org.uk. Belly Rub Giclee Printed0 Wall Art by Jay Fleck0 £26, fig1.co.uk0

Brown & Khaki

From £27, joules.com

Brevity is the Soul of Wit

American theatre critic Matt Wolf explores reducing Shakespeare in the 21st Century ahead of a new version of classic West End show The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), which arrives at Bristol Old Vic this month

It’s been 45 years since Adam Long and his partners first hit upon the idea of a 20-minute Hamlet to be performed at Shakespeareanthemed Renaissance Faires in his native California. Little did Long and his two co-writers, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, realise at the time that they were planting the seed for what would become the Reduced Shakespeare Company. That singularly cheeky - and smarttheatrical venture is resurfacing anew this year in an entirely fresh production that will tour to 30 UK venues, starting in the Cotswolds town of Chipping Norton.

Directed and co-written by Long, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) furthers the theatrical compression that is the stock-intrade of this RSC (not be confused with that other troupe with the same initials – the Royal Shakespeare Company). But in the hands of a new trio of performers

– Efé Agwele, Woogie Jung, and Tom Pavey – this brainstorming of the Bard is being fashioned anew.

“The overall goal of doing the complete works is still there – 37 plays and 154 sonnets all for the price of one ticket; the audience is going to get their money’s worth.” So says Long, who some while ago settled in the UK and has an English wife and two grown-up children.

But whereas he performed in the show back in the day, Long is pleased to have a new generation of talent take charge onstage: indeed, he notes with astonishment that more than 2400 people applied to fill these three roles (plus a walking cover). “One of the reasons the show works so well is that it has always emanated from the personalities of the actors onstage. We’re excited about the actors we’ve got, who are incredibly intelligent and incredibly funny.”

It falls to Agwele, an Anglo-Nigerian graduate of Mountview, to perform Hamlet backwards – one of this production’s defining set pieces – but Jung and Pavey are equally important to a show that leaves no Shakespearean stone unturned. There’s a micro-condensed Othello scored to a ukulele, and a carnage-filled Titus Andronicus done as a YouTube cooking tutorial. The history plays become a manic football game with a crown passed from one king to the next (King Lear is disqualified for being fictional), and spells, shipwrecks, and rings signal the charmed landscape of the comedies.

“I didn’t want this to be an exercise in nostalgia,” notes Long, a onetime political activist who seems astonished even now at the RSC’s nine year, 3,744-performance West End run, which finished in 2005. (Their work has also been seen in more than 20 countries.) The good thing is that his show comes steeped in a love for the theatre that knows no limits. “I just love the whole artistry of theatre – the ritual of it, the celebration of it.” Conjoin that passion with one for Shakespeare and you’ve moved towards the timeless. “People just love Shakespeare’s stories,” says Long, “and they always will.” n

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) is at Bristol Old Vic from 24-28 March. Tickets via bristololdvic.org.uk

What’s On...?

Our guide to the best things to see and do this month

Life Before You n 7 March, 2.30pm & 7pm

Tobacco Factory Theatres, BS3 1TF

Originally seed-funded by a bursary from Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory, Life Before You was developed in Bristol by writer Eva Hudson and director Roisin McCayHines, inspired by their shared experiences of navigating womanhood, class and identity with the specific context of having Northern Irish mothers who moved to England to raise their children. Following a sold-out work-inprogress run at the Alma Theatre in 2023, the production received strong programming interest, leading to this UK tour with a newly developed script and expanded creative team. tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Spring Beauty Brunch

n 8 March, 10am-12pm

Second Floor Restaurant, Harvey Nichols Bristol, BS1 3BZ

Led by the experts from beauty brands Maria Nila and Sunday Riley, make a fresh start to Spring with hair and skincare tutorials at Harvey Nichols Bristol. The perfect way to reset your look, the masterclasses will be followed by a two-course

brunch and glass of juice in the Second Floor Restaurant. Book tickets via the website: sevenrooms.com/experiences/bristoldining

Elizabeth Linley: The Nightingale of Bath n 10 March, 7pm

Redland Library, BS8 2PY

Author Thomas Messel is giving a talk on Elizabeth Linley, one of Britain’s most celebrated singers of the 18th century. Set against the vibrant cultural and political world of Georgian Britain, the talk explores her artistic achievement, her constrained domestic life, and her complex relationship with the playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan. It is a true story of ambition, jealousy, betrayal and passionate love. Signed copies of the book will be on sale. £3 cash on the door. friendsofredlandlibrary.org.uk

Stars & Stripes n 15 March, 4pm

Victoria Rooms, BS8 1SA

Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra presents a programme of American music, including Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Caribbean Dance, Elmer Bernstein’s Magnificent Seven, Florence Price’s Adoration, John Williams’ Star Wars Suite and Sophie Winfield’s Arizonian Sunrise. The conductor will be Tim Harrison. Tickets available from eventbrite.com and more info via bristolmetropolitanorchestra.com

The Banshees of Inisherin n 17 March, 6.30pm

Wiper and True Brewery & Taproom, BS5 0SP

Bristol Film Festival is partnering with Wiper and True in Old Market for a St Patrick’s Day screening of Martin McDonagh’s Oscar-nominated The Banshees Of Inisherin. Enjoy a free welcome pint from its draught range upon arrival, including delicious alcohol-free versions of the famous Kaleidoscope pale ale and Tomorrow lager. The taproom is then open after the film ends. 18+ only. bristolfilmfestival.com

Doris (The Girl Next Door?) n 17-21 March

The Alma Tavern Theatre, BS8 2HY Doris Day could sing, dance and act but she couldn’t pick a husband. The Ministry of Entertainment, a prolific West Country Retro Theatre Company (580 shows so far) tells the story of Hollywood legend Doris Day, famous for her ‘girl next door’ roles and her heartwarming chirpiness. The result of careful research and interlaced with Doris’s best songs, performed to perfection by Bristol phenomenon Kate McNab as Doris, the play shows us the real woman as she relives her successes and heartbreaks. almatavernandtheatre.co.uk

That Friday Feeling n 20 March, 7.45pm

All Saints’ Church, BS8 3ED

Join the 100 voices of City of Bristol Choir under the direction of conductor David Ogden for an uplifting Friday evening concert that offers space to pause and reflect, and be refreshed, uplifted, and inspired through the power of choral music. Tickets £16.50 for adults, £5 for students in full time education and under 18s, including drinks and light refreshments served from 7pm, available from cityofbristolchoir.org.uk and on the door.

Perfect your best man’s speech n 26 March

BAWA Healthcare & Leisure, BS34 7RG NorthAvon Speakers Club is hosting its once-a-year Open House event this month.

NorthAvon Speakers has been helping complete beginners as well as more experience speakers polish their public speaking skills since 1992. What will happen on the night? First you will hear a speech from an experienced toastmaster. After that, you will be invited to do an impromptu speech on a topic given to you on the spot and you will receive an evaluation. You will also learn about the learning environment Toastmasters offers, which has been honed for 100 years globally. All that for a very reasonable membership. Reserve your free spot by emailing northavontm@gmail.com

Bach: St John Passion

n 28 March, 7.30pm

Bristol Beacon, BS1 5AR

Step into the drama of one of Western music's most profound and enduring works. Bristol Choral Society presents St John Passion, a searing and soul-stirring masterpiece by J.S. Bach that fuses gripping narrative with transcendent beauty. Whether you're a seasoned concertgoer or simply curious, this is music that grabs you by the heart. From the haunting opening chorus to the final whisper of hope, Bach's score pulses with emotion, urgency and humanity. bristolchoral.co.uk

Antique, Vintage & Collectibles Fair

n 29 March, 10am-3.30pm

Ashton Court Mansion House, BS41 9JN

Discover fine jewellery, gold and silver, china, militaria, books, prints, paintings, vinyl, vintage clothing and accessories, furniture, watches, toys and lots more. More than 40 stalls will be located inside mansion house, and the café will be serving teas, coffees and cakes. £2.50 entry, under-16s go free.

COMING SOON...

RIOT ACT with Dylan Moran n 9 April, 7pm

The Mount Without. BS2 8FN

Bristol’s Madcap Open Mic Cabaret Clubnight has created another evening of unforgettable high-octane fun with multi award-winning writer, actor, filmmaker, international stand-up superstar, youngestever winner of the prestigious Perrier Award, star of Black Books, Notting Hill, Run Fatboy Run and Shaun of the Dead (to name a few) Dylan Moran. Expect laughs, fun, clowning chaos, punk poetry mayhem, circus insanity and stand-up galore from our crowd favourite open mic and all-star lineup of local cabaret legends including David Hoare, Grainne, Enrico Touché and Eliza Fiver. Tickets available via headfirstbristol.co.uk

Family Diary

Our pick of the best things to see and do with the little ones this month

Battle of the Bands

n 10 March, 6.30pm

Bristol Beacon, BS1 5AR

Head along to experience the first ever Battle of the Bands between Ashton Park, Redland Green and Fairfield High School. An exciting evening of music from some of the schools’ best up and coming musicians. A night you won’t want to miss! Presented by Excalibur Trust. bristolbeacon.org

Mini Museum Hunt: 50 Years of Aardman

n Until 13 September

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, BS8 1RL

Are you and your family ready for a mini-museum hunt with a difference? A little bit of Aardman magic has arrived at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery celebrating Aardman’s 50th anniversary in Bristol. Tiny treasures from the beloved animation studio have been hidden around the museum for visitors to discover. Curious explorers of all ages can pick up a detective map to help them track down and tick off all the secret treasures.

bristolmuseums.org.uk

How to become an Aquarist!

n 14 March, 2pm

Bristol Megascreen, BS1 5TT

Are you looking for a career in marine science? Join Bristol Aquarium’s free 20-minute talk and Q&A from one of its aquarists. From discovering their love for animal life as a child, volunteering, and work experience to studying at university and beyond, the aquarist will be talking about their career so far and how you can make the right steps to find a career in marine biology. Free, booking not required – first come first served. Ideal for ages 12+ (but all ages welcome). bristolaquarium.co.uk

Model Railway Day n 14 March, 10am-4.30pm

Aerospace Bristol, BS34 5BZ

All aboard! See amazing railway models in action, meet the talented teams who create them and maybe even take a ride on a fun-sized model railway. Celebrate the 50th Anniversary Year of the Sodbury Vale Model Railway Club with a fantastic exhibition day full of surprises. Working layouts and demonstrations will take place right underneath the iconic Concorde and alongside vintage aircraft in a Conservation Workshop. Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast, wanting to strike up a new hobby or looking for a fun day out for the whole family, there will be something for everyone explore. aerospacebristol.org

Easter adventure trail at Dyrham Park

n 21 March until 19 April

Dyrham Park, SN14 8HY

Treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Dyrham Park on an Easter trail, which takes place around the parkland and includes 10 activity stations including games, challenges and activities.The trail runs from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. Normal admission charges apply with an additional £3.50 per trail, which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and chocolate egg (dietary requirements catered for). nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park

Superhero Engineers n Until 22 March

Brunel’s SS Great Britain, BS1 6TY

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No – it’s a Superhero Engineer! We all know that engineering has shaped our world – but how many of the great engineers can you name? This month, computer scientist Tim BernersLee, NASA legend Mary Jackson and – of course – Bristol’s favourite adopted son, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, are waiting for you to climb aboard the SS Great Britain and discover their hidden powers. Marvel at Ada Lovelace’s mathematical magic, ignite your imagination with Tesla’s electrifying discoveries, and embrace your own superpowers along the way! ssgreatbritain.org

Bristol Snowdogs U19 Vs Milton Keynes n 22 March, 5.30pm-7.30pm Planet Ice Bristol, BS10 7SR

Get ready for high-paced action as the Bristol Snowdogs U19s take the ice for their latest clash! Expect bold plays, rising talent, and an atmosphere packed with music, giveaways and fan-first vibes. Whether you're a die-hard hockey supporter or brand new to the game, this match promises excitement from the first drop of the puck. Free entry, but reserve your spot online via eventbrite.co.uk. planet-ice.co.uk

Inspiration: Celebrating 200 years of modern railway n 23-29 March

Bristol Temple Meads Station, BS1 6QF

Inspiration is a unique, free travelling exhibition celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. Housed inside a specially-liveried train, the experience invites visitors to explore key moments in railway innovation, engineering and future careers through interactive carriages. Curated in partnership with the National Railway Museum and features sections such as Railway Firsts, Wonderlab on Wheels and Your Railway Future.Book your slot at railway200.co.uk/inspiration

A Squash and a Squeeze n 29-30 March. 10.30am & 4.30pm Redgrave Theatre, BS8 3LE

Once upon a time, a little old lady lived all by herself in her cosy cottage, but she wasn't happy – her house felt just too small. Whatever could she do? Will the wise old man's solution of bringing in a flappy, scratchy, greedy, noisy crowd of farmyard animals work? Based on the original book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, live on stage for the first time! redgravetheatre.com

The Boy at the Back of the Class n 31 March until 4 April

Bristol Old Vic, BS1 4ED

After learning that he has fled his own war-torn country, Ahmet’s classmates have ‘The Greatest Idea in the World’ – a magnificent plan to reunite Ahmet with his family. An unexpected and often hilarious adventure follows, all topped off with a terrific twist. Told from a child’s perspective, balancing heart and humour, The Boy at the Back of the Class highlights the power of good friends and courage in a world that doesn’t always make sense and reminds us that everyone needs a place to call home. bristololdvic.org.uk

The vinyl countdown

It’s official... Longwell Records has made the move from Keynsham to Clifton, with owner Iain Aitchison bringing with him a decade’s worth of memories, plenty of loyal customers, more records than he can probably keep track of and a bright outlook for the next chapter in his iconic business…

Words: Rosanna Spence

Some say that moving home is one of the most stressful things a person can do. And anyone who’s moved business premises will no doubt tell you the two uprooting experiences are definitely singing from the same hymn sheet – especially a business that’s accumulated thousands of pieces of stock over the course of its 10-year existence. It’s a wonder, then, that Iain Aitchison – owner of Longwell Records – sounds so calm when I speak to him just days before he re-launches his shop in its new home in Clifton Arcade, despite the process he’s describing:

“It’s absolutely crazy at the minute,” he says. “Going through 10 years’ worth of shop stock is pretty brutal for me, because I’m a bit of a hoarder. There are so many records, bits of memorabilia and things with emotional ties. But it’s good to start afresh sometimes.”

Anyone who’d ever wandered into Iain’s previous place in Keynsham would have been presented with a typical record shop set-up, with vinyl and merch crammed into every nook and cranny. His new unit in Clifton Arcade, just off Boyce’s Avenue in the Village, might at first glance have a much clearer, Scandi-like aesthetic (for now, anyway) – but its soul is very much steeped in the tradition of record rummaging.

“I’ve got to be honest, it’s looking very pretty,” notes Iain. “It’s so neat and tidy compared to the Keynsham shop. But every record shop has its own style. People don’t really want ultra-clean record shops; they want somewhere to get down and dirty, proper crate-digging. There’s obviously a place for HMV and all the cleanliness, but people also like bargains and discovery. I’m selling mainly used records (about 80%) with some new releases in the mix as well.”

Indie ideas

Choosing to up sticks from Keynsham to Clifton wasn’t an easy decision, but it was a necessary one for Iain.

“In the latter years in Keynsham, a lot of people were already travelling to us from Bristol anyway, especially once we started doing a record stall at Forwards Festival four years ago. Running a shop can be lonely sometimes, especially somewhere that doesn’t get much footfall.

Many of Iain’s existing clientele will no doubt be popping into the Clifton store, and he hopes the new location will also bring passing custom from more students and tourists (in the same vein as his sixmonth pop-up at Wapping Wharf just after the pandemic), which he’s really excited about.

“What I love most is the customers – their stories make the place. That’s what made the shop what it became, and that’s why people were so upset when it closed.”

Time spent at Longwell Records sounds like the perfect mixtape: you’re guaranteed to pull out some classic crowd-pleasers, with just enough promise of unearthing some delightfully new (and likely very local) bangers.

“I try to work with labels and local artists; that’s always been important to me,” Iain explains. “Over the years, I’ve had a lot of local artists ask me to sell their stuff, so I’ve got about 10 years’ worth of CDs and records I’m now trying to move on… especially bands that lasted six weeks,

dumped a load of CDs in the shop, then disappeared,” he chuckles. “That’s the reality of it, but supporting local music is what we’re about, and I’ll be doing that in the new space as well.”

And in a world where music artists are paid between £0.0022 and £0.0036 per stream on average on platforms like Spotify – along with the proliferation of digital algorithms automatically curating playlists on our behalf – there’s a refreshing beauty and quality to unplugging and physically perusing records in a shop.

“People still stream music, of course, but there’s definitely a return to tactile things like records, books and physical ownership,” agrees Iain. “Most of the records I sell are second-hand. Think about all the lives they’ve been through: the break-ups, deaths, new beginnings – all of that history wrapped up in an album.

“Even if the music’s terrible, you’re still reading the sleeve notes, looking at the photos, seeing who produced it. Online, you just burn your eyes out scrolling.”

The debut

Although Longwell Records is embarking on a new chapter, how did its story begin? Iain was coming towards the end of his career as a drug worker (“Fifteen years in criminal justice drug work, working with heroin and crack users. Before that, I worked with people with learning disabilities, which was rewarding, but I was totally burnt out”) and was seeking something entirely different. That’s when he decided to start

buying and selling records online in 2015, and a repeat customer began buying from Iain in bulk.

“Long story short, he turned out to be a EuroMillions winner (£148 million, to be precise). He didn’t tell me for months, which I respect. Once he realised I was just a normal person and not after his money, he offered to pay the first six months’ rent on a shop for me. That single act of kindness started 10 years of memories. Kids who came in aged six are now 16.” He opened his first bricks-and-mortar shop in Keynsham the following year, and still keeps in touch with his mysterious benefactor.

“It’s nice to do new stuff in life,” Iain reflects. “I never dreamt in a million years I’d eventually have a shop in Clifton, but here we are.”

For now, Iain has his focus firmly on the 12 months ahead at Clifton Arcade. Following a successful launch, he’s keen to continue his winning formula of personal service, decent prices and plenty of heart (plus, keep an eye out for after-hours events he’ll be putting on either in the Arcade or across the wider Clifton area once he’s settled).

“Starting something new is stressful, but it’s good for you emotionally. It’s all about new people and new energy – then before you know it, we might be another five years down the line. People know we’re good value and not pretentious; we’re just music people. We like having a laugh and not taking life too seriously.” n longwellrecords.com | @longwellrecords

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ARTand exhibitions

Bristol Gallery Weekend, at various venues across the city, 19-22 March

Bristol Gallery Weekend is returning to the city for its third year! Showcasing the contemporary art scene in Bristol with a diverse programme of events at a variety of art spaces, galleries, artist-run projects and private art collections, the inaugural Bristol Gallery Weekend will launch on Thursday 19 March and run until Sunday 22 March. Taking place around the equinox, Bristol Gallery Weekend marks the beginning of spring to emphasise themes of renewal and awakening.

More than 30 contemporary art galleries and art spaces from all over Bristol are coordinating over a long weekend and each taking part with individual exhibitions. With an extensive programme scheduled especially for the weekend including talks, private views, family workshops and special events, this will be an opportunity to discover and explore the city’s world-class gallery scene celebrating the spaces Bristol has dedicated to creativity.

This event is free to attend and aims to enable as wide an audience as possible access to art and culture by sharing Bristol’s unique creative environment.

A map is now available for the public with all the information including the events programme, which can be accessed online.

Find out more at bristolgalleryweekend.org.uk

Jason Wesaw: RETURNING, Rainmaker Gallery, 13 March until 31 May

Marking 35 years of championing Native art in the UK, Rainmaker Gallery welcomes back Jason Wesaw (Pokagon Potawatomi) for a much anticipated solo exhibition. In RETURNING, Wesaw unveils a new body of exquisite oil pastel drawings on incised paper – works that trace the intimate and enduring relationship between people and land. Through subtly textured surface and carefully chosen colour, the artist reflects on reconnection, resilience, and the generative power of return.“The undercurrent of my work is about our connection to the land and how, by returning to her, we learn the power of relationships – finding ways to heal, strengthen, and understand the mysteries of life,”– Jason Wesaw.

Artist Talk: Saturday 21 March (2–3pm)

rainmakerart.co.uk | 140 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, BS8 2RS

Mounira Al Solh: A land as big as her skin, Arnolfini, until 24 May

This major new solo exhibition from Lebanese artist Mounira Al Solh poignantly and playfully navigates a multitude of complex themes such as identity, migration, trauma, inequality and gender, through her deep love of mythology, craftsmanship and materials.

Mixing everyday life with ancient mythology, Al Solh works across a range of mediums and materials, encompassing painting, sculpture, film, performance and textiles within her practice.

arnolfini.org.uk | 16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA

Image credit: A portrait of Mounira Al Solh, 2025.

Spring show at Coe Gallery, 19 March until 2 April

Coe Gallery presents a Spring selection of Aboriginal art at The Vestibules in City Hall. This carefully curated exhibition brings together works by both emerging and established artists, exploring Country, cultural continuity and connection through painting.

The presentation includes key works from the gallery’s 2025 programme, offering audiences another opportunity to experience significant pieces first shown last summer, alongside a small number of new works. The Spring show invites visitors to engage with works of depth and presence, thoughtfully suited to both private and professional spaces. All works are available to purchase with flexible payment options available.

Coe Gallery is the UK's first Aboriginal owned gallery dedicated to supporting Emerging and Established Aboriginal artists, providing them with fair representation and visibility within the UK.

The Vestibules, City Hall, College Green, BS1 5TR coegallery.com

Image: Daisybell Kulyuru, Mai - Bush Tucker (Daisybell’s Story)

Cosmos: the Art of Observing Space at Royal West of England Academy, until 19 April

Women by Women.3 at Centrespace Gallery, 7-11 March

Women by Women is a celebration of personalities, stories and lived experiences. It is an ode to our community and our most treasured relationships with others and ourselves – past, present and future versions. Women by Women.3 is a group exhibition showcasing work by 24 female and non-binary artists. Their work emerges from a place of the most inherent, personal, deep-rooted and true emotion meanwhile exploring an ever changing terrain. While the artists tell their stories from where they stand, joining together in a space weaves these individuals together in conversation, a shared history, and a communal experience. This collection of work explores the joys, pains and complexities of womanhood through a variety of personal and communal perspectives on identity, relationship and body. Women by Women is an annual exhibition that marks International Women’s Day, and strives to broaden why, how and who we celebrate on this day.

Free to visit | 20% of all proceeds go to Global Fund for Women 6 Leonard Lane, BS1 1EA Bristol

Image: Women by Women.2 by Ellie Shipman Photos (2025)

This major exhibition, delivered in partnership with the Royal Astronomical Society, explores humanity’s enduring fascination with the cosmos through an extraordinary blend of historic artefacts and contemporary artworks.

Cosmos brings together works by celebrated artists including Yinka Shonibare RA, Christopher LeBrun RA, Wolfgang Tillmans and RWA Academicians, alongside compelling pieces by established and emerging artists. Visitors will experience a wide range of artistic responses to Space through painting, sculpture, photography, installation and digital media.

Cosmos: the Art of Observing Space offers a unique journey through time, imagination and enquiry – inviting visitors to experience the awe, wonder, and curiosity that the cosmos continues to inspire. rwa.org.uk | Queen’s Road, Clifton, BS8 1PX

Images (L-R): Fusion by Ione Parkin; The Unending Sky by Tom Hammick

Anatomy of Solidarity at M shed, 10 March until 12 April

is a a community-led project from Seeta Patel Dance. What does solidarity look like in Bristol today? And what happens when communities come together to create? Anatomy of Solidarity brings these questions to life in a vibrant, led showcase inspired by Bristol’s long history of collective action and resistance. Since autumn 2025, local groups have met weekly to explore what solidarity means to them, developing powerful creative responses along the way.

This dynamic exhibition celebrates the voices, skills and imagination of our city – featuring original work from Latinas in Bristol, The Art Against War Club, and creativeShift with St Pauls Printmakers. Expect textiles, costumes, puppets, prints and more, all created in the spirit of coming together for change.

bristolmuseums.org.uk | Princes Wharf Wapping Road, BS1 4RN

University of Bristol Botanic Garden Easter Sculpture Fundraiser, 3-6 April

The Easter Sculpture event returns when springtime in the Botanic Garden is embellished with art and sculpture. This festival aims to showcase the harmony between human creativity and the natural world with unique hand crafted sculptures, interactive workshops and familyfriendly activities. Previous years have seen visitors get a chance to have a go at art in the form of willow weaving, wood turning, stone carving and pottery. Book online in advance or pay by card on the gate (cash cannot be accepted). botanic-garden.bristol.ac.uk | The Holmes, Stoke Park Road, Stoke Bishop, BS9 1JG

Pub Scrawl

Artist Frank Morris tell Rosanna Spence about his one‐man‐mission to capture as many pubs across Bristol as possible on paper, and how his incredible drawings have proven that the city’s best boozers are anything but sketchy

Don’t be fooled by the headline: Frank Morris’s drawings of Bristol’s pubs are anything but hurried or careless. We just couldn’t resist the pun. Frank has become a fixture on the city’s streets, carefully studying the historic and often beautiful façades of our public houses; getting the inside story on our inns straight from the locals’ mouths and capturing their essence forever in his works.

Frank – who is never without his sketchbook – began drawing pubs during the first lockdown in London (“I really enjoyed drawing outside since we were all cooped up indoors”) and it was a grand Victorian pub in Kentish Town that first caught his eye. He drew the Assembly House over two pages of his A4 sketchbook, which took three days, capturing all its finer details.

It was through conversations with locals and passers-by as he was drawing this muchmissed venue that was closed due to the pandemic, that he realised this project could be a positive way to connect with people (and as a “massive fan” of pubs himself, he already knew how important these spaces are for communities). Frank then moved to Bristol three years ago and immediately felt the urge to continue the series as a “great way to discover my new home”. The first Bristol pub he drew is still one of his favourites: The Hillgrove, just up from Stokes Croft.

Frank, how do you choose which pubs to draw?

I started drawing pubs that friends had recommended or pubs that I went to and really liked the feel of. Now I tend to choose pubs that people have recommended to me on social media (Instagram and TikTok) and I actively ask for suggestions, then choose a pub that takes my fancy. I do have a soft spot for indulging in adding brickwork, a bit of foliage and particularly in Bristol I enjoy the challenge of drawing the beautiful murals that cover the facades. But when you spend all day drawing on site, even if a pub doesn’t seem to have the most interesting or beautiful façade, the more you look, the more you find things to love and which give each pub its character, even if that is just one particular local enjoying an afternoon pint on their own.

Walk us through what happens when you arrive at a pub to draw it…

I start all of my pub drawings with a quick thumbnail sketch, about three inches wide in my sketchbook. I do this so I can quickly scan the pub with my eyes, so I can have a rough understanding of what the pub looks like and get a sense of potential composition. Once I have this thumbnail sketch, I start directly with my 0.05 fine line black pen, normally beginning with a door or window to anchor myself, then work out the proportions by eye. This is by far the most time consuming and challenging part of the drawing – getting the outline correct. I then add shading and cross hatching to differentiate tones on the facade, like the brick work or areas that are painted, before adding the reflections of the windows (one of my favourite parts of the process). I tend to finish with adding punters enjoying the pub with a pint or a ciggy, adding them to the scene at the end. Being in Bristol I do enjoy adding a seagull or two as well, often perched on top of the pub.

What materials and tools do you favour, and how have they influenced the look and feel of your drawings?

With my pub drawings I pretty much exclusively use my 0.05 and 0.1mm Uni Pin fine liner pens. I rarely sketch anything before with a pencil and I never use rulers. This is for a few reasons. One because I would find the process more tedious and too rigid to work out everything perfectly and to use rulers, but I also feel like you can tell when a drawing has been done in that way and for me at least it loses a bit of character.

Drawing with such fine pens in this way, really forces me to slow down and intensely look at each pub that I draw. I do feel like the time I take to draw each pub is important for the work and hopefully can be seen in the finished artwork. Although people often ask me whether I will add colour, I do mostly like to keep the pictures black and white. This is so I can indulge in rendering each work with lots of detail and cross hatching, but also have been told it gives the work a sort of Ye-Oldy timeless feel, which I have always taken as a compliment.

Do people talk to you while you’re drawing?

I was drawing the Star and Garter and someone once told me how they got married on the stone right outside it on the grass and how they met their partner during a crazy night at the pub years earlier - that was a fun one. But honestly, I have had so many wonderful and funny interactions. I had someone recently say how they used to live in the top room of The Shakespeare pub in Redland 20 years ago with their wife; then went on to tell me about their travels in Africa and other adventures they had with their partner. I have had a group of 10-year-olds come up to me and ask repeatedly if I was Banksy, which was pretty funny. The interactions and conversations I have while drawing pubs is one of the most rewarding parts of doing it. I sometimes write down interesting anecdotes in my sketchbook and hope to incorporate some stories in a book someday, if I ever make one. I recorded lots of these conversations when I lived in London during the pandemic, which I think could be interesting to look back on now.

What are the trickiest parts of drawing on location? Weather, curious passers-by, traffic…?

Rain is the most obvious challenge, especially living in Bristol. I can put up with the cold with a hot water bottle, lots of jumpers and a flask, but I can’t draw in the rain. This has meant I spend a lot of my time on BBC Weather Bristol, trying to find a dry day that I can draw. Admittedly, it is most fun to draw pubs when it is spring and summer, the sun is out and everyone is enjoying themselves.

Another challenge is when cars or vans park directly in front of pubs I am drawing. This happens quite a lot as the pub might be getting a delivery. When this happens I have to focus on other bits of the pubs facade that I can see, then return to finish the rest when they move – or sometimes have a sneak around the car and finish the drawing from memory. This is challenging, but kind of makes the experience more interesting.

Sometimes I am also drawing on main roads, like when I drew the Plough in Easton. That is a really busy road and cars are zooming past you all day. Admittedly, that is not an element of the process that I particularly enjoy. I would much rather be safe on a pedestrianised pavement, like when I drew the Robin Hood and had a perfect raised pavement as a vantage point.

You’ve drawn pubs in different cities, so how does Bristol compare?

Architecturally, London has many grand Victorian facades with intricate, exposed brickwork. While Bristol has plenty of history, it's more common here to see facades covered in amazing murals or fantastic old painted signage.

Atmospherically, Bristol is unique because so many pubs with distinct characters are in such close proximity. There is a sense of “friendly lawlessness” in some Bristol locals that I really enjoy. I also notice a lovely mix of people from different backgrounds and ages, which creates a very inclusive feel. In London –particularly East London – some pubs can feel like they cater to a specific ‘trendy’ demographic, which doesn’t feel quite as inclusive. Plus, I’m very thankful that a pint isn’t quite £7.50 here yet!

Why do you think pubs matter so much in a city like Bristol? They are essential. So many Bristol pubs double as venues for life drawing, poetry, jam sessions, and live music. They facilitate the vibrant things that happen in this city. The Plough in Easton is a perfect example; with their weekly live music and connection to the Cowfolk sports teams, they show how a pub can actively improve a local community.

Some of the pubs you’ve drawn have since closed. Does that give the drawings a different weight, knowing they’re now records of lost places?

“It is always sad to see a pub I’ve drawn close its doors. Many of our beloved locals are at risk due to the cost-of-living crisis, and it’s more important than ever to support them. Because I spend hours capturing a pub exactly as it looked on a specific day – the weather, the people, the signage – I hope my drawings serve as a historical record of places we are, sadly, losing.”

When you look ahead, where would you like the project to go next?

“I’ve drawn 50 so far, but there are around 450 pubs in Bristol, so I have a long way to go! I don’t know if I’ll ever ‘complete’ the project, but I’d love to publish a Bristol pub book featuring these drawings alongside the stories and anecdotes from the people I meet. I’m currently focused on Bristol, but I’m interested in exploring other cities too. I’m about to travel around Mexico for six weeks, and I’m hoping to draw a historic Cantina in Mexico City. As long as I’m enjoying the process, I’ll keep going.”

For more information about Frank’s pub drawings, visit frankspubdrawings.com and follow his dedicated accounts on Instagram and TikTok @frankspubdrawings. To discover more of Frank’s other artistic practises from his studio work based in St Anne’s House, follow @frank_morris_art

Expert opinion

From Chris Yeo, of Clevedon Salerooms and a regular expert on BBC’s Antiques

Roadshow

Do not fear the

Chandelier

Has there ever been an object more subject to the rollercoaster of taste than the chandelier? Big and glitzy, for years it was widely seen as the epitome of all that was naff – the go-to choice for 1-star hotels with delusions of grandeur. But fashion is a two-way street and the last few years have seen a dramatic turnaround in the fortunes of the not-so humble chandelier. You could say rightly so, because, let’s face it, is there anything more dazzling, more decadent than a fine quality chandelier, with its crystal droplets and lustres shimmering from multiple branches?.

For centuries the chandelier has been the most iconic – and theatricalform of lighting to illuminate our interiors. Then again, to think of it purely as a light fitting is to miss the point. The right sort of chandelier is as much a work of art as any painting; a finely-tuned synthesis of decoration,

aesthetics and practical functionality. Deriving its name from the French for candle holder, it was the British who perfected it as an art form in the Georgian period and made it the perfect accompaniment for the delicate Neo-Classical interiors of Robert Adam and his followers.

A few years later, the Prince Regent went the whole hog and commissioned what was probably the most spectacular chandelier of all time for the Royal Pavilion, his seaside fantasy palace in Brighton. This crystal extravaganza – thirty feet high and weighing over a ton – cost over £6.000 in 1817 and amongst the cascading crystal droplets featured a life size silver dragon.

The last decade or so has seen some of the world’s most cutting-edge designers revisit and reinterpret the chandelier with remarkable results that would surely tempt even the most avowed minimalist. Chandeliers have kept their appeal down the centuries because, at their heart, they exist to delight, surprise and impress us. Modernism and minimalism may have written them off but today the chandelier stands, or rather, hangs, as a marker of luxury and, if done well, a thing of beauty in our sometimes grey world. Maybe it’s time to look at the chandelier with fresh eyes. ■ clevedonsalerooms.com; @chrisyeo_antiques Instagram)

The Shining Stars of Chile

Words by Tom Bleathman from The Great Wine Co.

Last month, my colleague, The Great Wine Co.’s Fine Wine Manager Tom King, travelled to London to host a special dinner at Mareida, the city’s only Chilean restaurant. He presented wines from two standout producers, Viña Leyda and Viña San Pedro, offering guests a rare opportunity to taste Chile’s extraordinary diversity. If you missed the evening, fear not: throughout March, The Great Wine Co. is offering up to 25% off all South American wines, making this the perfect moment to explore these bottles for yourself. | greatwine.co.uk

Viña Leyda, founded in 1998, pioneered Chile’s cool climate coastal style. Its vineyards sit just 14km from the Pacific Ocean, where the cooling Humboldt Current protects acidity, slows ripening and gives the wines their trademark brightness and precision. By contrast, San Pedro, established in 1865, is rooted in the warmer Curicó Valley at the foothills of the Andes. The estate is celebrated for its bold Bordeaux varieties, refined under winemaker Gabriel Mustakis, recently named Latin America’s Winemaker of the Year 2025 by Master of Wine Alistair Cooper. Here are the three bestselling wines of the night, along with our Fine Wine Manager’s tasting notes...

Leyda Neblina Vineyard Riesling 2022

A Riesling with striking elegance, echoing top examples from Alsace. Aromas of mandarin, lime zest and beeswax lead to a fresh, brisk palate with mouth-filling texture. The long, bittersweet finish is layered with pink grapefruit.

Leyda Lot 5 Chardonnay 2023

From Leyda’s best Pacific facing sites, this Chardonnay avoids malolactic fermentation to preserve its taut, Chablis like acidity. Creamy oatmeal notes from oak ageing add depth. Already delicious, with excellent ageing potential. Awarded 95 points and a Gold Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025.

San Pedro Sideral 2023

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Carmenere and Cabernet Franc, Sideral is named after the Latin word for ‘constellation’. This has a fresh and inviting nose of blackberry, blackcurrant and rhubarb. Rich yet soft on the palate, with velvety tannins and vibrant fruit. Perfectly balanced and effortlessly enjoyable.

Bristol

Local food joints represent city in National Burger Awards finals

A selection of some of the finest burgers from across the country have been chosen as finalists for this year’s National Burger Awards (organised by Dine Out magazine), including The Frenchie from Danny’s Burgers (picured above), Mollie’s Double Cheeseburger, Dodo Pub Co.’s The Longhorn Burger, Oowee Diner’s The Camembert Cream (pictured below) and The Honest from Honest Burger – all of which are either Bristol founded eateries or have a presence in the city.

In total, 16 chefs from burger operators across the hospitality sector will take part in the live final at Big Penny Social in Walthamstow on Tuesday 24 March, cooking up their signature recipes for a panel of industry judges.

As well as cooking up their signature burgers, finalists will take part in a technical challenge where they must create the ultimate burger from a selection of sponsor ingredients. They will then participate in a plant-based burger round.

For more information about the 16 finalists and the National Burger Awards competition, visit nationalburgerawards.co.uk

Bristol Beer Factory releases International Women's Day brew

Bristol Beer Factory has this week announced the launch of Cowgirl Supernova, a limited edition 5.0% Kolsch IPA created and brewed by an entirely female team. Cowgirl Supernova has been created to celebrate International Women’s Day which falls on Sunday 8 March, and as well as highlighting women in the male-dominated beer industry, £2,000 of funds raised from the product will be going directly to four local charities; Easton Cowgirls FC, Trans Pride Bristol, One25 and Project Mama.

As well as sporting a pair of pink Chappell Roan-inspired cowboy boots on the can, the beer is made using the ‘Pink Boots’ hop blend (which is only allowed to be used by female brewers) provided by Yakima Chief. Now available to order for UKwide delivery, funds raised from the sales will be donated to the four charities, who support Bristol’s women’s and trans communities, as part of Bristol Beer Factory’s ‘Brewed to Give’ initiative; a fundraising programme which gives back to the local community and has so far raised over £673,472 for various causes.

The brew of Cowgirl Supernova took place at Bristol Beer Factory’s Ashton Vale based brewery on Friday 6th February, led by resident female brewers Rosie du Toit Lingard and Briar Simmons, attended by BBF staff, and members of the charities who will benefit from the funds raised by the beer.

Cowgirl Supernova is now available to order from Bristol Beer Factory’s website, and will be pouring in all Bristol Beer Factory’s venues including The Barley Mow, the Arnolfini, Junction, The Pump House and BBF Tap Room.

For more information, visit bristolbeerfactory.co.uk

Recipe: SEVILLE ORANGE & RICHARD BERTINET GIN MARMALADE

MOVE OVER PADDINGTON, THIS VIBRANT MARMALADE FROM T HE BERTINET KITCHEN TEAM HAS BEEN PASSED DOWN THROUGH GENERATIONS…

The Bertinet Kitchen’s (headed by renowned South West based baker Richard Bertinet) wonderful Head of Kitchen Jen has generously shared something truly special: her Grandma Muriel’s cherished Seville Marmalade recipes.

Passed down through generations and lovingly preserved in her grandmother’s handwritten recipe book, this treat is a piece of family history brought to life. Jen has stayed true to the original recipes while adding a playful modern touch of Richard Bertinet Gin. Seville oranges themselves are a rare treat, appearing for just a brief window from late December (though thankfully the fruit freezes well at peak freshness so recipes can be made throughout the year).

Ingredients (makes approx 10 jars)

750g Seville oranges

1 lemon, juiced

1.75 litres water

1.4kg preserving sugar

20cl Richard Bertinet Gin

Method

Prized for their bitter flavour, high pectin content and distinctive knobbly skins, these oranges are traditionally imported to the UK specifically for marmalade making, which makes each batch feel all the more precious.

If you give this recipe a go, don’t forget to tag The Bertinet Kitchen in your creations on Instagram @thebertinetkitchen and visit the website: thebertinetkitchen.com

1. Remove any stalk ends from the oranges, scrub and dry them thoroughly. Using a potato peeler or sharp, knife, peel off the rind in thin downward strips, being careful to leave all the white pith behind. Chop the thin peel into strips and place into a bowl and cover with Richard Bertinet Gin. Set them aside for a few hours or preferably overnight.

2. Cut the oranges in half and squeeze out all the juice, saving the pips. Chop the pith roughly and tie it in a large piece of muslin, together with the orange pips.

4. Strain the orange juice into the pan and add the strained lemon juice, muslin bag and the water. Strain the peel from the gin, reserving the gin for later, add the peel to the preserving pan. Bring the fruit mixture to the boil over a medium/low heat and simmer, until the contents of the pan have reduced by about half.

6. Remove the muslin bag, and add the sugar, stirring continuously until it has dissolved.

7. Turn up the heat and boil the marmalade rapidly until setting point is reached, after 15-20 minutes. Skim the marmalade at once, add in the gin, then leave to cool and settle for about 30 minutes before spooning into sterilised jars.

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Book shelf

This month, our friends at Gloucester Road Books share some new reads they’re particularly excited about...

Gloucester Road Books is a fascinating place to explore, and the team places a significant focus on titles published by small independent presses, noting: “There are lots of really brilliant small publishers putting out incredibly exciting books, and we want to help get these out into the world.”

Visit the website for more details on book launches, talks and other events at the shop: gloucesterroadbooks.com @gloucester_rd_books | 184 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, BS7 8NU | Open Monday and Tuesday 9.30am-5pm; and Wednesday to Saturday 9.30am-6pm

Black Bag by Luke Kennard

In Luke Kennard's new novel, an out-of-work actor takes a new job for eccentric Dr Blend who needs support conducting a bizarre psychological study –placing a body (alive) in a zipped up bag at the back of the lecture hall. The novel details the unexpected fall out of this study and its effect on the whole university campus. Both funny and profound, this will be the perfect read for someone looking for a nonstandard love story.

A Room Above A Shop by

Anthony Shapland

A quietly arresting novel that speaks as much in its silences as in its sentences. At its heart, it is a romance that must be expressed through glances and small gestures rather than grand declarations because of the risk of being a gay man in 1980s rural Wales. Shapland captures the bittersweet beauty of a relationship between characters named M and B, two men who work and live together at a local shop, against the backdrop of Section 28 and the HIV and AIDs crisis. We cannot imagine not adoring this little book.

Call Me Ishmalle by Xiaolu Guo

Call Me Ishmaelle reimagines Herman Melville’s Moby Dick from a female perspective. If you have enjoyed retellings, such as James by Percival Everett and Circe by Madeline Miller, this will be a perfect new title to add to your reading list. For fans of Moby Dick but also for fans of beautiful writing and excellent storytelling.

The City Changes Its Face by Eimear McBride

The City Changes Its Face is a highly anticipated paperback release from previous winner of the Women’s Prize, Eimear McBride. The novel is a raw and intimate depiction of an argument between the couple featured in The Lesser Bohemians – Stephen and Eily – in her characteristically experimental style. It is worth mentioning that there is no need to have read The Lesser Bohemians first (although it is an excellent read).

Light and Thread by Han

King

A new Han Kang is always something to be excited about! This collection of essays, poems, photographs and diaries is her first title since being awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature and it is sure to be a beautiful and nuanced reflection on love, language and the importance of human connection. A glimpse into the interior life of such a wonderful thinker will be a treat whether you are familiar with her work or not.

Bristol at work

LOCAL

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATION

UPDATES

Balloon Fiesta searches for new charity partner

Charities across the region are being invited to apply to become the official charity partner for the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, in partnership with Albert Goodman.

Usually, the event offers a two-year charity partnership, but this term is being extended to include the Fiesta’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2028. The selected charity will see the partnership begin in time for the 2026 event and continue through to the landmark anniversary year. The extended partnership follows the announcement late last year of a multi-year agreement with Bristol City Council, securing the event’s ongoing use of Ashton Court Estate and protecting its future. Interested charities must be based in Bristol or have strong roots in the city, with their work directly helping to shape, support and improve local lives. Official charity partners receive free exhibition space in a prime location, exclusive rights to roam and collect donations across the event site and at its entrances and exits, as well as onsite branding, marketing and PR support to amplify their cause.

Given the unique opportunity to be involved in the Fiesta’s milestone celebrations, organisers are seeking a partnership that evolves over the three-year term.

Fiesta organisers are inviting interested charities to submit a proposal by 12 March.

Further details and guidance on what to include in the application are available at bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

Animation studio named one of best places to work

Bristol-based, award-winning animation production studio

A Productions has been named one of Broadcast’s Best Places to Work in TV 2026, marking the fourth time it has been awarded the accolade. A Productions, which recently celebrated 40 years in business, was included in the prestigious list that recognises businesses in the TV industry which are “committed to creating a supportive and thriving workplace”. The list is compiled using the results of a survey filled in by employees, combined with information provided via an in-depth questionnaire submitted by the employer.

aproductions.co.uk

Western Forest appoints first director

Western Forest –England’s first new national forest in more than 30 years –has announced the appointment of Jamie Audsley as its first director. In its first five years, Western Forest aims to create at least 2,500 hectares of woodland and other tree habitats, boosting the economy, supporting nature recovery and bringing trees closer to where people live –serving more than 2.5 million residents across towns, cities and rural communities. Stretching from the Cotswolds to the Mendips across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and the West of England, Western Forest is being hosted by the Forest of Avon Trust and supported by £7.5 million of government funding over five years, following a competitive bid process to Defra last year. Jamie joins Western Forest from Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, where as chief executive he led landscape-scale nature and climate recovery programmes across an area covering 15,000 hectares, growing income, building partnerships and creating investible nature projects. wenp.org.uk | orestofavon.org

Go-Pak UK pioneers groundbreaking recycling scheme

Local sustainable packaging provider Go-Pak UK and parent company, SCG Packaging (SCGP), have unveiled a pioneering recycling solution to help brands responsibly and efficiently recycle their old corrugated cardboard (OCC) in a fully closed-loop system. The new service, Go-Recycle, is a cardboard recyclate programme designed to help brands reuse more waste, reduce costs and support a genuinely circular economy. Go-Pak UK, says the service responds to growing demand from brands under pressure to reduce waste, meet environmental targets and demonstrate responsible sourcing. Under the scheme, OCC is collected alongside regular product deliveries before being processed at a dedicated facility. The materials are then returned to SCGP’s Papermills in Thailand and Vietnam, in containers that would otherwise be empty, where they are repurposed into new cardboard packaging and non-food contact cardboard products. These products can then re-enter the supply chain. go-pakgroup.com/sustainability/go-recycle

From the Lord Mayor’s Parlour...

Exclusive insight from The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Henry Michallat

Over the past couple of weeks, I have had the privilege of attending a number of meaningful engagements across our city, each highlighting the strength and shared values of Bristol. It was a profound honour to speak at Bristol’s Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration. This annual occasion provides an important opportunity for reflection, remembrance and education. I was particularly fortunate to hear from Eric Schloss, the grandson of Holocaust survivor Eva Schloss. His words were deeply moving and served as a powerful reminder of the very real human experiences behind history’s darkest chapters.

Events such as this reinforce the vital importance of remembering what happened during the Holocaust and ensuring that younger generations understand the consequences of hatred, intolerance and discrimination. By learning from the past, we strengthen our collective resolve to ensure that such horrors are never repeated.

The weekend before, I was delighted to attend the Greater Bristol Rotary Young Musician Competition. It was a joy to see such exceptional young talent on display, and I extend my warmest congratulations to all the finalists. The standard of performance was outstanding, with participants demonstrating remarkable skill and confidence. Hearing compositions by some of the world’s most renowned composers, interpreted with such passion by young musicians, was truly uplifting. Events like this highlight the importance of supporting opportunities for young people to flourish across Bristol and beyond.

I was also proud to raise the flag for India’s Republic Day, celebrating this significant national occasion with members of Bristol’s Indian community. It was a vibrant and joyful event that reflected the strong cultural ties and friendships that enrich our city.

I would like to thank the Indian community in Bristol for their continued contributions to civic life, culture, business and community spirit. Their commitment and energy play an important role in making Bristol the inclusive and dynamic city that it is.

These engagements, though varied in nature, each reflect the values of remembrance, excellence, and community that lie at the heart of our city. n

As ever, if you wish to invite me to an event, talk or tour, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Lord Mayor’s office via email: lordmayor@bristol.gov.uk

How financial planning can help close the “behaviour gap”

Read on to find out more about the behaviour gap and how financial planning can help you overcome it.

The behaviour gap is connected to human survival instincts

During market downturns, you might look at your investments and see significant losses. Because the brain processes losses as pain, its immediate reaction is to perceive a threat and trigger the fight-or-flight response.

This could then lead you to sell off during a short-term dip, which may mean you’re unable to recover your losses.

Conversely, if there is a particularly high-performing stock, you may be tempted to follow the herd of investors all rushing to invest in it, but again, this hasn’t historically been a good idea.

Research shows that the behaviour gap was 122 basis points a year in the decade up to December 2024, which means investors lost an average of 15% of total potential returns.

Financial planning can help you overcome the behaviour gap

A financial planner can work with you to develop a plan built around what you want to achieve over your life, not just in a quick attempt to cut losses or make a seemingly good investment.

To speak to a financial planner, get in touch.

We are Independent Financial Advisers who specialise in retirement planning and estate planning

Get in touch

If you would like a review of your pensions and investments and whether you are on track to achieve your financial goals, please contact us for a free consultation.

0117 959 6499

info@perennialwealth.co.uk

Trym Lodge, 1 Henbury Road, Bristol, UK, BS9 3HQ

Education matters

NEWS FROM THE CITY’S LEARNERS AND LEADERS

Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation adds to BOVTS Scholarship programme

The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation is joining Bristol Old Vic Theatre School’s pledge to provide at least 50% of all students on the new two-term and three-term Acting Foundation courses a £5,000 bursary to support half of their training costs.

The Foundation will provide four students on the new courses with £5,000 towards their fees, subject to them getting through the audition process, being offered a place and meeting the funding benchmark criteria. These scholarships will be known as the ‘Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Scholarships’. Both the School and the foundation believe that professional training should be accessible for everyone, not just those with the means to pay for it. Anyone thinking about applying for these new Acting Foundation courses is encouraged to get started as soon as possible, as places are very limited and early interest has been vast.

Visit the website: oldvic.ac.uk/foundation

Artist Luke Jerram opens 2026 round of arts funding

Haberdashers' Monmouth School Head awarded MBE

Haberdashers’ Monmouth School Head Melvyn Roffe has been awarded an MBE by HRH

The Princess Royal in recognition of his outstanding leadership and lifelong contribution to education.

The honour recognises Melvyn’s exceptional contribution to education and his long-standing commitment to strengthening the relationship between schools and their communities. Throughout his career, he has championed the belief that young people thrive when education is rooted in civic responsibility and meaningful community engagement.

His work has included national initiatives to widen access to subjects such as Mandarin and computing, as well as developing partnerships that bring schools and local communities closer together. These endeavours played a central role in the award of his MBE.

habsmonmouth.org

Free breakfast clubs on the rise

Mayor Helen Godwin has welcomed the next phase of the national free school breakfast club programme, which will see 15 more schools across the West offering free breakfasts from April, bringing the total to 24.

In Bristol, the new schools joining are E-ACT the Kingfisher School, St Nicholas of Tolentine Catholic Primary School, Oasis Academy Connaught, Badock’s Wood E-ACT Academy, Greenfield E-ACT Primary Academy, Hannah More Primary School and Four Acres Academy. The scheme, backed by an £80 million investment from government, is designed to help families, reduce child hunger, and ensure children start the school day ready to learn. Recent expansions mean half a million more children will benefit nationwide, with schools receiving simplified funding to provide high-quality breakfast provision. westofengland-ca.gov.uk

Jerram Foundation – not-for-profit social enterprise created by Helios (pictured) artist Luke Jerram – has opened the 2026 round of its Bristol School Arts Fund, and is inviting eligible schools to apply by 12 March. Jerram Foundation has awarded more than £60,000 of funding to 20 secondary schools and Alternative Learning Provisions across the city since 2020 to spend on materials, trips to exhibitions, art clubs, sensory sessions, high-quality equipment and visiting-artist workshops.

“Many don’t have a budget to cover basic art materials for their students,” the foundation states on its website. “Children are having to submit exam coursework on A4 photocopy paper and create their paintings using powder paint alone! Research shows that consequently, there has been a steep reduction in the arts provision provided in state-funded secondary schools. Whilst the leaders of many schools are fully committed to being supportive of the arts in their budget allocations, their hands are tied by the funds which come in to them in the first place. Fewer students have the opportunity to engage in the arts leading to fewer enrolling in creative subjects at GCSE, A-level or university.”

Jerram Foundation is also inviting individuals and organisations to contribute to the fund, to help empower the next generation of artists. For details, email studio@lukejerram.com.

Wish you were here!

It’s time to tick off that travel bucket list with once‐in‐a‐lifetime trips that’ll decode the mystery and majesty of Egyptian Gods, embrace slow river travel in Laos, colour in the vibrant coasts of Latin America and much more – all while getting from A to B in luxurious style with Captain’s Choice

Make 2026 the year you explore new lands, unearth extraordinary experiences and make the impossible possible with tours for travellers who value substance as much as style, and who believe that the journey itself should be as rewarding as the destination.

Imagine taking a rare and remote trip, but never having to carry a map or reach for your wallet. Where every experience is included, like a hot air balloon over Cappadocia or trekking to find gorillas in Rwanda, staying in residences of the highest standard, where all meals and beverages, private transfers throughout, tipping and valet luggage service are looked after for you. When every journey is accompanied by an experienced Tour Manager and a dedicated Tour Doctor, offering both expertise and peace of mind, allowing you to relax fully into the experience, knowing that every detail has been thoughtfully managed.

Well, these dream trips are now a reality thanks to the 2026 Collection from Captain’s Choice, which includes bucket list adventures for all types of travellers.

Ancient sites

History enthusiasts can celebrate the long-anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Beginning in Egypt’s capital city, the journey(†) is guided by leading Egyptologists who bring the ancient world vividly to life. A charter flight from Cairo delivers guests to the awe-inspiring Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel, one of the ancient world’s most dramatic monuments. Guests then embark on the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer for a leisurely river cruise north. This elegant vessel provides a refined base from which to explore both celebrated and lesser-visited sites along the Nile.

Stops include Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hathor, Tell el-Amarna, El Minya, Beni Hassan and Sohag, offering a broader, more nuanced view of Egypt’s long and complex history.

Returning to Cairo, guests enjoy privileged access to the Great Pyramids, including hidden areas, gaining access to the rarely seen feet of the Sphinx. Another highlight is an expert-led visit to the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest institution in the world dedicated to a single civilisation, where artefacts are presented in a stateof-the-art setting that reshapes the understanding of ancient Egypt.

River and rail

For those drawn to Southeast Asia, seeking to embrace slow travel to far-flung corners, your journey( ✧ ) begins in Luang Prabang, the UNESCO-listed heart of Laos, where you’ll be immersed in the surrounding gilded temples and colonial architecture, while exploring ancient sites, dining beneath the stars and discovering the subtle, aromatic flavours of Khmer-fusion and Lao cuisine through thoughtfully curated dining experiences.

From here, travellers embark on a private charter of the boutique vessel Heritage Line Anouvong for a cruise along the Upper Mekong River. Gliding through jungle-fringed gorges and past remote riverside villages, this tranquil journey offers a rare window into daily life along one of Asia’s great waterways. Carefully planned shore visits provide insight into local traditions while maintaining a sense of privacy and exclusivity.

Crossing into northern Thailand, the journey continues with a stay at the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, a secluded luxury retreat set amid bamboo forests and rolling hills. →

Here, guests meet rescued elephants in a responsible, ethical setting and enjoy the camp’s refined blend of adventure and comfort.

The final chapter begins in Singapore, where guests fly in and settle into the timeless elegance of the historic Raffles Hotel. From here, they embark on the iconic Eastern & Oriental Express, travelling north in vintage glamour toward Kuala Lumpur.

Along the way, travellers enjoy refined, gourmet dining, attentive service and ever-changing views of Malaysia’s tropical landscapes from their air-conditioned cabins. The journey continues with a boat crossing to Penang Island, where time is spent exploring the historic streets of George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in culture and colonial heritage. Returning south by rail through the state of Johor, the journey concludes back in Singapore, bringing this remarkable expedition to a fitting and memorable close.

Remote coasts and celebrated cities

Another carefully curated journey begins by venturing west to the Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, islands known for their dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush gardens and rich maritime heritage ( ✵ ) . These rarely combined destinations offer a sense of discovery even for seasoned travellers.

From here, the journey continues to Havana, where Cuba’s vibrant culture and colourful architecture are revealed through expertly guided experiences - from learning everything there is to know about cigars, from their origins, production, and exportation to tracing Ernest Hemingway’s steps across the city and beyond.

In South America, guests enjoy extended stays that allow for time to absorb the spirit of each destination. In Chile, nights are spent in the otherworldly Atacama Desert, where vast salt flats and star-filled skies create one of the planet’s most striking natural environments. In Brazil, Salvador’s unique blend of African, Portuguese and Indigenous influences comes alive through its music, cuisine and historic streets.

One of the journey’s most extraordinary elements is a privately chartered Amazon River expedition cruise. Travelling along remote tributaries rarely seen by visitors, guests explore pristine rainforest ecosystems, encounter local communities and experience the scale and biodiversity of the Amazon in comfort and safety. n

† A Journey of the Gods, departs 17 September 2026 and is timed to coincide with the long-anticipated and recently opened Grand Egyptian Museum near the Pyramids of Giza. This 16-day exploration of Egypt combines rich history with exceptional comfort and access rarely available to the public. Throughout the journey,

group numbers are kept small, with a maximum of 55 guests, and accommodation includes some of Egypt’s finest addresses, such as the St Regis Cairo.

✧ The Remote Laos River Cruise, Thailand & Malaysia by Luxury Rail journey offers a richly layered exploration of the region. Departing 26 September 2026 and limited to just 16 guests over 13 days, this intimate expedition blends cultural discovery with elegant transportation and exceptional accommodation.

✵The 18-day Latin America & Atlantic Islands by Private Jet journey, departs 5 August 2026 with a London return. Travelling aboard a privately chartered Boeing 757-200, a maximum of 50 guests fly in business-class, fully lie-flat seats, enjoying generous space and attentive service throughout.

Captain’s Choice is the established leader in creating unrivalled travel experiences, with more than 30 years’ experience

A privately-owned Australian company and a pioneer of journeys by private jet, it leads the global push to explore new lands, unearth extraordinary experiences, and make the impossible possible. From polar regions to ancient civilisations, remote islands to legendary rail routes, Captain’s Choice exists to open doors to places and moments few travellers ever reach, and to do so with absolute confidence and care. Captain’s Choice explores all corners of the globe in small, like-minded groups of travellers. Journeys span a wide range of styles and interests, including private jet expeditions, luxury rail journeys, small ship cruises, self-drive supercar adventures, walking journeys and in-depth land tours, but all with a shared commitment to access, comfort, authenticity, and a desire to go further than conventional travel allows. What sets Captain’s Choice apart is its unwavering attention to detail and their ability to unlock experiences that feel genuinely special. Each itinerary is shaped by deep local knowledge, long-standing relationships and a commitment to doing things properly. The result is travel that feels personal, enriching and extraordinary.

Learn more about the Captain’s Choice 2026 Collection,

You’ll never walk alone

Hannah Atkinson has been putting one walking boot in front of the other for the past three years, building an award‐winning, inclusive hiking community from the very ground up. She speaks to Rosanna Spence about Queer Hiking Bristol’s swift ascent in popularity and why these groups are so important for people who experience barriers accessing outdoor spaces

Imagine it’s a Saturday morning. You fancy going for a hike, so pull on your boots without much thought, grab a lightweight waterproof, perhaps sling a backpack over your shoulder and head out with friends or family once you’ve checked the weather and chosen a route. For many people who enjoy nothing more than finding their next adventure along a walking trail, this entire process might feel seamless. But what if each of those steps came with some friction? The gear might feel prohibitively expensive if it’s been difficult to maintain job security, transport becomes tricky with no access to a car, plus the social setting could feel intimidating and the space itself potentially unsafe.

As Hannah Atkinson, founder of Queer Hiking Bristol tells us, for some Queer people, and particularly those in the Trans community and Queer people of colour – it’s not just unpredictable weather that might stand in the way of a hike; there can be this patchwork of obstructions to navigate too, ranging from mildly inconvenient to incredibly exhausting.

Queer Hiking Bristol aims to build bridges over these barriers that exist before the boots even go on for many people in the community, instead creating a positive, safe and welcoming space for people to access the great outdoors near and far.

When asked how the group began three years ago, Hannah is refreshingly honest about its origins.

“I feel like I’ve been asked this question quite a lot, and I should have come up with a really inspirational answer, but actually, I just wanted some people to go on walks with, and I’m Queer – and that’s how it came about. It was January and lots of my friends who I went walking with regularly had moved out of Bristol, and I said, ‘Okay, I’m going to try and find a group that I can join’, and then I noticed that there wasn’t really a Queer space for that. So, I thought I’d try and start a little group and see what happened.”

At the time, Hannah’s expectations were initially modest: “I thought perhaps 10 people would come and that’ll be it, a very small thing. But it wasn’t; it just skyrocketed. So, I set up an Instagram account and a logo –I think we had around 100 followers before I’d even made the first post.”

Three years on, Queer Hiking Bristol is no longer a “little group”. It’s a thriving, volunteer-led community with hundreds of members, a packed calendar, national connections and a growing reputation as a model for inclusive outdoor organising.

Mind the gap

The rapid growth enjoyed by Queer Hiking Bristol hasn’t been by chance. As Hannah explains, the group recognised a need that wasn’t being met elsewhere: “I think I just really tapped into a bit of a gap in the market. There’s Bristol Hiker Girls, which is quite a big group for women, and then I think there were a couple of small walking groups that seemed to be targeted at gay men. And I wanted a space for any person who identified as Queer to be able to join. Although there are a few Queer outdoorsy groups located around the country that have taken off, Bristol was missing one at the time.”

Since then, Queer Hiking Bristol has become part of a wider informal network of Queer outdoor groups across the UK, linking up for joint walks and trips.

“We’ve met up with a few of these groups; we went to the Peak District, Cheddar Gorge with Queer Hikes South Wales, and we’re going to Cornwall in the summer (date TBC) as the Truro Queers group, which also organises hikes, wants to meet up.”

With this growth came greater complexity, which has led to a subtle shift in Hannah’s role over time, from solo hike organiser “for pretty much

the first year” to operating with a more shared leadership of walks when she realised “I needed help with that”.

“As we’ve evolved, I’ve learned a lot. We’ve got more safety things in place. Nearly all of our leaders are first aid trained, for example, and we’re looking at funding some navigation training for them soon. I’ve got maybe 15 volunteer leaders at the moment who can dip in and out of leading hikes every month, and now we always have two on each walk.”

This growth has also been supported by external funding and careful financial stewardship – with the rewards being funnelled back into the group to further enhance support for its members.

“We’ve had some funding from the National Lottery Awards for All, which has been great, and some from Quartet Community Foundation, which is Bristol-based. And we’ve also made some money from our events by accident, really. I’ve been careful to make sure that we cover costs, and left a bit of a buffer.”

The group’s official kit fund addresses one of the most tangible barriers to outdoor access.

“We want to make sure that we’re making the group as accessible and inclusive as possible. You don’t need lots of fancy gear for hiking, but there are a couple of essential things I think everyone should have and we want to help people to get them. So, we are using that money we’ve made over the last couple of years for a kit fund that people can apply to if they need new hiking gear – like walking boots and a good walking jacket – because it’s expensive.”

These boots were made for walking

Across the year, Queer Hiking Bristol runs a varied programme of walks, led by trained volunteers, with an emphasis on approachability. Walks are clearly described in advance, including distance, terrain, pace, and transport options. There are also “quiet walks” designed for people who want a lower-social-pressure experience – something that can be particularly important for those who are Neurodivergent, anxious or

simply seeking a different way to engage with the outdoors. Crucially, many walks are planned to be accessible via public transport, reducing reliance on cars and lowering another common barrier to participation; and when it comes to which routes are most popular, a few locations consistently stand out.

“Anything around Bath or Saltford,” Hannah confirms. “And there’s a place called Kelston Roundhill Walk on the Cotswold Way where The Bath Soft Cheese Café is located – we’ve been there a few times and that’s always a popular one.” She laughs, joking: “…Nothing to do with the cheese, obviously!”

Walks by the coast also tend to prove popular (“Clevedon, Westonsuper-Mare and Portishead”) and the group organises city hikes on summer evenings too (“Plus we explore lots of local green spaces like Clifton Down and Ashton Court”), which always do well as people find it easier to slot in some activity for a few hours after work, rather than setting aside an entire day.

Feeling the benefits

At its core, Queer Hiking Bristol is about more than walking; Hannah knows that there are huge social, mental and emotional benefits to the group too – even if you want to come along, wear a pair of headphones and feel absolutely yourself.

“What we hope people get out of it is kind of an appreciation and access to green spaces, being outside, getting some movement –all those things are super important for your mental health.” She speaks candidly about the restorative power of the walks, even for her as a leader. “There have been so many times when I’ve woken up and not wanted to go and lead a walk

because it was raining or I’ve been tired or whatever, but then I go and just feel so much better.”

The future looks busy for Hannah and the group. March and April walks are coming up, alongside volunteering opportunities, more targeted events and an ambitious programme of trips.

“We’re hoping to do kind of a series of events that are a bit more targeted to different demographics,” she adds. “We'd like to reach out to more specific groups and have walks that are specific to students, younger people or people over 45 or 50, for example, people of colour and Disabled Queers. We want to really try and make sure that we're including everyone as well as we can.” There are also more weekenders and international trips (Madeira in March and another mountain on the horizon for 2027, having already conquered one in Morrocco last year) in the pipeline.

Queer Hiking Bristol’s continued growth and success that has blossomed into so much more than a walking group feels quietly radical in a landscape where carefree access to the outdoors is still uneven for many communities. But for now, Hannah’s message for curious newcomers is simple: “We try and keep all our walks as open as possible, so people can just turn up on the day and not have to pre-register (though sometimes we need to ticket events when we have to control numbers).

“We really are always super welcoming of new people and especially people turning up on their own; we’re very friendly and there will definitely be other people in the same boat.” n queerhikingbristol.co.uk | @queerhikingbristol

BSeeing the Difference

An Interview with Miss Gemma Manasseh on Blepharoplasty and the Importance of Oculoplastic Expertise

llepharoplasty - surgery to remove spare skin from the eyelidshas become one of the most requested surgical procedures for patients seeking a refreshed and youthful appearance. But when it comes to such a delicate area as the eyes, choosing the right surgeon is critical. At The Eye Unit, patients are guided by expert consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon Miss Gemma Manasseh, whose specialist expertise ensures both safety and exceptional results.

We sat down with Miss Manasseh to discuss blepharoplasty, why expertise in oculoplastics matters, and what patients can expect at The Eye Unit.

Miss Manasseh, can you explain what blepharoplasty is and why people choose to undergo this procedure?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat from the upper or lower eyelids. Patients often seek it because drooping or puffy eyelids can make them look tired, aged, or in some cases, impair their vision. The results can be both functional and cosmetic—helping patients not only see better but also look more refreshed and confident.

Many patients may not realise there’s a difference between plastic surgeons and oculoplastic surgeons. Why is it important to consult someone like yourself, with specialist training in oculoplastics?

The eyelids are unique—they’re not just about appearance but also about protecting the eyes and maintaining proper vision. Oculoplastic surgeons are first fully trained ophthalmologists, meaning we specialise in eye health and surgery before undergoing further training in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids, orbit, and tear ducts.

A plastic surgeon may focus on aesthetics, but an oculoplastic surgeon brings both an aesthetic and functional perspective, ensuring that your eyelids continue to protect and support the health of your eyes after surgery. In short, we understand the anatomy and physiology of the eyes in a way that is critical for safe and natural-looking results.

What are the risks of having blepharoplasty performed by someone without oculoplastic expertise?

If eyelid surgery is performed without specialist knowledge, patients risk complications such as impaired eyelid closure, dry eyes, exposure of the cornea, or asymmetry. These issues can affect not only appearance but also vision and eye comfort. In severe cases, it can lead to ulceration and permanent scarring of the eye. At The Eye Unit, our priority is protecting the health of the eyes first, while achieving the natural and elegant cosmetic results patients want.

What can patients expect when they come to The Eye Unit for a consultation and treatment?

At The Eye Unit, we offer a bespoke and thorough consultation process.

I take the time to understand each patient’s concerns, assess both their eyelid anatomy and eye health, and then recommend the safest and most effective treatment. Many patients are reassured to know that they’re in the hands of a surgeon who is both an ophthalmologist and an oculoplastic specialist.

Our clinic is designed for comfort and discretion, with state-of-theart surgical facilities and a caring team who support patients at every stage of their journey.

What advice would you give to anyone considering blepharoplasty?

Do your research and ensure you’re consulting a surgeon with the right expertise. Ask about their background in ophthalmology and oculoplastics, not just general plastic surgery. The eyes are too precious to take risks with. At The Eye Unit, our focus is on achieving safe, lasting, and natural results that enhance not just how patients look, but also how they feel.

Why Choose The Eye Unit?

Specialist Expertise: Consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon-led care.

Patient-Centred Approach: Tailored treatment plans with a focus on safety and natural outcomes.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: A private, discreet, and supportive clinic environment.

If you are considering blepharoplasty, book a consultation with Miss Gemma Manasseh at The Eye Unit today. Your eyes deserve the care of a true specialist.

To make an appointment Contact us today: Tel: 0117 369 1179

Email: office@theeyeunit.co.uk www.theeyeunit.co.uk

Available for consultations @ Nuffield Bristol.

Specialist menopause support that puts you first

If you are struggling with menopause symptoms, the specialists at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital can

Most women will experience symptoms –such as flushes, brain fog, mood changes, joint aches, lack of energy, change in periods – during the perimenopause and menopause. Which symptoms, how often they occur and how much they impact on daily activities differs from person to person. For some women, symptoms will have a minimal impact on quality of life but for around a third of women there can be physical and/or emotional changes that can change how women feel about themselves, can impact on relationships and affect the ability to work or undertake activites you enjoy.

Experienced menopause specialists can empower you to take control of your health by providing an individualised approach. They will consider how symptoms may affect you, while also taking into account your preferences for treatment options, as well as the health and social factors which are specific to you.

Menopause care should be holistic, and all options for symptoms should be discussed. These might include lifestyle and well-being, complementary therapies and prescribable options (non-hormonal, HRT, testosterone, and a wealth of vulvo-vaginal alternatives), to enable choice and optimise quality of life. It is important that a care plan which is personalised to your needs is decided upon together. This will provide ongoing care options which consider if nonresponding symptoms are related to menopause (with adjustments in therapies), or whether new conditions which are more common in menopausal women – such as vulval skin or autoimmune conditions – have developed.

Whilst many symptoms of menopause can be managed within your GP practice, access to specialists is recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence to enable informed decision-making when:

• prior treatments have failed to manage symptoms or caused side-effects,

• menopause occurs early, i.e. under the age of 45,

• medical conditions can make HRT prescribing more complex, e.g. epilepsy, endometriosis/adenomyosis/fibroids, Lupus, a personal history of cancer or blood clots –just to name a few.

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital is delighted to offer a new menopause service from consultant gynaecologists who have extensive experience in menopause care. Dr Kristyn Manley is a registered British Menopause Society specialist who is the lead for a regional NHS menopause service in Bristol, is a council member for the British Menopause Society medical advisory board, is a lead author for national menopause guidelines, and is involved in national research trials and education relating to menopause care. Dr Manley specialises in complex menopause, including side effects from HRT, such as bothersome bleeding patterns, vulval skin conditions, and menopause care after cancer. Dr Jo Bailey is a Gynaecological Cancer surgeon who has advanced training in menopause care, as well as having medical and surgical expertise in a wide range of gynaecological conditions.

This service enables an individualised approach and access to options which are not yet available on the NHS, such as NK3 antagonists (Veoza) and hormone implants. Veoza is an extremely effective non-hormonal option that rapidly improves flushes, sleep and quality of life. If bleeding with HRT is bothersome and medical options have not improved this, surgical options can be explored with the team. We can also help you navigate the confusion surrounding effective and safe non-hormonal options, including herbal, mineral and complementary therapies given the recent increase in online/over the counter options.

The team is passionate about providing the best care, which is individualised to women’s needs so that you can return to activities you enjoy and help you flourish in your peri- and postmenopausal life.

If you’ve been experiencing any menopause-related symptoms and would like to book a consultation with Dr Manley or Dr Bailey at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, call 0117 906 4870 – or scan the QR code to visit the website, where you can also book an appointment online.

A Walk on the Wild Side

Although this month’s walk from Andrew Swift is only 3.5 miles long, it has more variety – and more challenges –than many which cover far greater distances…

March’s adventure starts and ends in Frenchay, one of South Gloucestershire’s most fascinating villages, where great houses line a gloriously unkempt common and quarrymen’s cottages huddle beside the fast-flowing River Frome. Venturing across the river, it explores the grounds of a long-demolished mansion, replete with cascades and paths cut into the steep sides of a rocky gorge over two centuries ago.

Muddy, slippery, with broken-down steps and steep climbs, it is far from a gentle stroll, but, if you are shod appropriately and take reasonable care, it is a walk to savour. And, at journey’s end, there is a welcoming pub – the recently-refurbished White Lion – on Frenchay Common.

The walk starts on the common, by St John’s church, which, curiously enough, was only built in 1834 – much later than most of the grand houses lining the common. The reason, it seems, is that many of those houses were built by Quakers or Unitarians, who had little need of a parish church.

From the church gate, follow a path heading south. Carry on at the end past the faded glory of Frenchay Garage and turn right along Quarry Road past the White Lion, built by George’s Brewery in 1899, with some glorious Jacobean-style strapwork.

At the end turn left downhill and, when you come to a bridge over the Frome, turn right across it. On the far side, turn right into the Oldbury Court Estate and follow a broad track uphill. After levelling out at the top, the track heads across a meadow. As it starts to drop down into woodland, turn right along a narrow muddy path, with a stream below you on the left. As you carry on, you will see that the stream has been dammed to create two ponds.

The heart of the estate

After passing the second pond, turn left across a footbridge, head up steps and bear right. At the junction of four paths, carry straight on up a flight of steps. When you reach the top, you are at the heart of the estate – just ahead is the site of Oldbury Court. Dating from around 1600, its grounds were landscaped in dramatic style a couple of centuries later by Humphry Repton.

The estate was acquired by Bristol Corporation in 1936 as an open space for all to enjoy. The house, after falling into disrepair, was demolished in 1960, but much of the landscaping survives. You have already seen a stream dammed to create ponds and cascades. Now you will see how Repton took advantage of the estate’s dramatic location high above the River Frome.

Bear right to follow a path along the edge of the escarpment. After 75m, when the path forks – just beyond a hollowed-out tree stump –bear right. After heading downhill for a little way, with a fence protecting you from a sheer drop, the path levels out along a revetment. The climax of this vertiginous woodland walk comes as you pass beneath an overhanging rock, just beyond which steep steps lead down to the river.

On the far side of the weir across the river lay King’s Mill, a flour mill dating back to at least the 15th century, and later converted to a snuff mill which closed around 1840. Turn right along the riverside path. After 850m, you come to a flow monitoring station. The derelict building behind it was connected with Frenchay Mill, which stood beside the weir a little further along and survived until 1905.

Here the sides of the valley start to close in. The path narrows and steps lead up to a rough dramatic section high above the river. At the end, climb a broad flight of steps and turn left to cross back over the river. After turning right on the far side, look back to see a plaque recording the building of the bridge in 1788.

Behind a house on the left you can see one of Frenchay’s many quarries. Pennant stone from these parts was once highly prized. The former flock mill, on the right, started life as an ironworks in 1761. Hard today to think of this picturesque valley as a hub of industry.

A little further on, look out for Grove House on the right. This was the home of Edward Higgins, the Frenchay Highwayman, whose nefarious occupation allowed him to live here in grand style – until his misdeeds caught up with him and he was hanged in 1767.

Turn right along Chapel Lane and carry on through a squeeze stile along a muddy track past a former Methodist chapel. After 300m, you will see another bridge through the trees ahead. This is Cleeve Bridge, whose 18th century arches can be seen underneath those added in the 19th century when it was raised and widened.

Follow the track up through a squeeze stile and a step stile onto a road. Turn left and left again through a kissing gate onto Frenchay Moor. Bear right up a track, go through a kissing gate and climb through woodland to another kissing gate at the top. Head straight across to a gap in

the hedge to go through a further kissing gate, and then turn right alongside the hedge.

At the end, go through a final kissing gate, cross the road and turn left. The tower on your right is a former dovecote converted to an electricity substation. After passing the village hall on your left, bear right along Beckspool Road, which is lined with Frenchay’s grandest houses. When you come to Riverwood Road, look across to see one of the grandest – Frenchay Manor, built in 1736 for Joseph Beck, a Quaker merchant.

Cross over to head back along the road, bearing right when it forks. The Quaker Meeting House, which you pass on the right, was built in 1809 on the site of a meeting house established in 1673.

After passing a high wall and the gates of Cedar Hall, bear right again as the road forks. The west wing of Frenchay House, with carved female heads in the keystones of the ground-floor windows, dates from 1772, although the rest of the building is later. Then comes Clarendon Lodge – also late 18th century – and Clarendon House, built around 1840.

Cosmic links

After passing another wall, you come to the appropriately named Old House. The Unitarian chapel next door was built in the late seventeenth century, but the tower is thought to be a later addition, and it has been suggested that the comet weathervane indicates a date of 1758-59, when Halley’s Comet appeared. Its appearance had been predicted by Edmund Halley using laws devised by Isaac Newton, and was a triumphant vindication of the validity of Newtonian physics.

As both Newton and Halley were Unitarians, it would have been natural for the Unitarians of Frenchay to celebrate the event in this way. At the far end of the chapel’s small but fascinating graveyard is a bodysnatcher’s stone, once placed over newly-dug graves to deter the ‘resurrectionists’ who exhumed and sold corpses for dissection in medical schools.

If you carry on along the road for another 150m you will see, over to your right, Frenchay Park. Built around 1780, it was converted to a hospital in World War Two and later used as offices before being restored to a family home. From here, you can cut across the common to return to the starting point, or head to the White Lion for some well-deserved refreshment. n

Discover more of Andrew Swift’s books and writings online from akemanpress.com | All photos courtesy of Andrew Swift

Distance: 3.5 miles

Accessibility: Care is needed on rough and slippery paths, especially alongside those above the river.

Getting there: The starting point is by St John’s church at Frenchay (BS16 1LJ). There is plenty of free parking around the common, including several three-hour parking spaces near the church (not available on Sunday mornings). First Bus 50 runs from the city centre (Mon-Sat) to a stop near St John’s church.

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Time to Go Green | Inspired by the hues of springtime, these pieces breathe freshness and natural colour into every corner of your space...

Blending vintage charm with industrial and contemporary influences, the stylish Hoxton bottle green gloss Porcelain tile showcases a rich green hue enhanced by a glossy finish and subtle tonal variations. Priced £58.80 per Sq metre. The refined 3D geo surface, featuring delicate floral reliefs and reflective highlights, brings depth, texture, and a tactile dimension to every tile. 15 Regent St, Clifton, BS8 4HW or visit: mandarinstone.com

Perfect for living rooms, home offices, conservatories or even a shepherd’s hut or narrowboat, the Everhot Electric Stove is an elegant and efficient stove that does not require a flue and simply plugs into a standard 13amp socket. The 1.5kW heater gently warms the room and behind the cast iron door is a 20 litre oven – great for cooking small dishes. Shown here in Forest Green. From Coopers Home Appliances at: Dunsdon Barn, Dunsdown Lane, West Littleton, SN14 BJA and coopershomeappliances.com

PARK FURNISHERS

Casa Sloane

2.5

Seater Fabric Chaise Sofa

This chaise sofa hasfully reversible, premium foam seat cushions encased in a fibre wrap, the high gauge serpentine seat springs ensure you have a comfortable and relaxing sit. The back cushions are crafted using elasticated tensioned webbing with hollow pocketed fibre to provide support and added comfort for ultimate relaxation. Each bolster and scatter cushion is feather filled for added luxury while the tapered arms and angled legs provide an all-round contemporary look. £2,499. Eastgate Retail Park, BS5 6XX or visit: parkfurnishers.co.uk

FIG1 Bloomingville Alber Pendant Lamp

Adding a touch of nature and sophistication to any room, this stunning glass pendant light is perfect for hanging over tables and in the bedroom to create a cozy atmosphere. Diameter 23cm, Height 21cm. Bulb size E27, Max 40W, Cord length 250cm. £75. 15 Philadelphia Street, BS1 3BZ, or visit fig1.co.uk

JOHN LEWIS X ANINE CECILIE IVERSEN Zinnia Cushion, Juniper

The stars of summer, zinnias are a garden favourite. Here, they're chainstitched onto a woven background with large, lush leaves. 50cm x 50cm, £50. The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, BS34 5QU or visit: johnlewis.com

OLIVER BONAS

Aurora Green Round Wall Mirror

Art deco-inspired, the Aurora mirror has a distinctive curved edge bordered with green-toned glass panels. Height: 55cm. £135

21 Philadelphia St, Quakers Friars, Broadmead BS1 3BZ. oliverbonas.com

LITTLE GREENE FROM BRACEY INTERIORS Castle Garden Wallpaper

Taking inspiration from Sissinghurst castle and gardens in Kent, this joyful wallpaper mural depicticts an abundance of wild layered blooms set against more formal gardens. This wallpaper has been designed and coloured to pay tribute to Sissinghurst’s eclectic vibrancy. Available from Bracey Interiors, which is a stockist of Little Greene paints and wallpapers to order, based at 15 Waterloo Street, Clifton, BS8 4BT and online braceyinteriors.co.uk

Deirdre Dyson: taking the floor

Lady Deirdre Dyson’s remarkable journey from aspiring artist to internationally recognised designer reflects a lifetime of quiet determination, creative mastery and entrepreneurial spirit, culminating in 25 years at the helm of her acclaimed rug and carpet brand. Emma Clegg meets Deirdre at her South Gloucestershire home...

You can't make a living out of doing art, dear.” Lady Deirdre

Dyson’s school headmistress offered this sage advice to her in a post-war culture when all workers were facing significant employment challenges, and getting a job and a regular income was the main priority. Fortunately Deirdre had the courage at the age of 13, as she was about to embark on the standard series of RSA exams offered by her comprehensive school, to go to the headmistress’s office and ask to do GCE Art, a subject that was absent from the school’s curriculum.

“I was really scared, you know – I still think that was really brave of me. I said, ‘I need to do art because I want to be an artist’” The bravery paid off because as a ‘concession’, the headmistress let her do GCE Art as long as she did this alongside her agreed RSA subjects. She passed all eight of her subjects, with distinctions in two maths papers and distinction for GCE Art.

Deirdre’s creative roots trace back to a childhood filled with drawing and painting. “I just always drew,” she says simply. “In my spare time, I’d

either be outside or drawing. No one encouraged me; it was just something I did naturally.”

Deirdre’s determination to study art has been dramatically validated in the intervening years. She is now best known for her eponymous carpet and rug brand, which produces intricately hand-knotted, bespoke creations that are admired around the world. With showrooms in London and Paris, and very strong commerce with the US, she is now celebrating 25 years in the business.

School was not an easy fit. Deirdre describes herself as ‘very average’ academically, and she particularly struggled with maths. It wasn’t until much later she realised she was a visual learner, a revelation that explained her childhood frustrations. “When I was at school, if a teacher explained things on the blackboard, I could follow. But I couldn’t retain verbal instructions easily. It only clicked years later when trying to learn French!”

Practicality won out and Deirdre became a secretary. “That’s what people did – you had to get a job. My parents’ generation had just gone through the hardships of war, and everyone was just trying to get by.”

“ I was always drawing in my lunch breaks. One day, my boss just looked at me and said, ‘You’re in the wrong place. You should go to art college’ ”

It was while working for an architecture firm – Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, who are famed for designing the Barbican – that her life took another sharp turn. “I was always drawing in my lunch breaks. One day, my boss just looked at me and said, ‘You’re in the wrong place. You should go to art college.’ And that was it. I thought, yes. Why haven’t I tried?”

What followed was a determined, solitary effort to build a portfolio with no guidance, no internet and barely any exposure to galleries. However, the problem was that all art colleges she approached insisted on five GCEs, and her RSA subjects were not acceptable. She eventually found a place at the Byam Shaw School of Art in London, a private institution willing to take a chance on her, and this set Deirdre on her creative path.

There were conditions for the Byam Shaw place. “The principal said, ‘Did you say you could do shorthand? My secretary can’t.’ So I typed his letters every day at four o'clock and, in exchange, studied for free. It was brilliant.” The principal also asked her to go to evening classes to do the missing GCEs. Within a year, she’d won a prize and secured a scholarship for a second year.

It was there that she met engineer, inventor and entrepreneur James Dyson who was then at the start of his own creative path. Together, they decided to pursue further studies: she in graphic design at Wimbledon College of Art (where she graduated with distinction in illustration and graphic design), and he in product design. It was a partnership built on shared curiosity and creative thinking from the outset.

Lady Dyson's practical design training, particularly in concepts, colour theory and printmaking, would later prove invaluable. “Byam Shaw taught you to really see, with your eyes and your hands. The exercises were intense, but they opened doors for me. My understanding of colour came from there.”

Throughout the years raising their children, she continued to draw and paint, often on the kitchen table, and held exhibitions with London galleries, such as the Albermarle Gallery in Mayfair. “It was always part of me,” she says. “And looking back at my early work, I still recognise myself in it. All those still-lifes I painted were part of the journey.”

The defining pivot in her creative career came in 1998 when she was looking for a contemporary rug for the family’s new Georgian London house and couldn’t find anything she liked. “Everything was antique, ethnic or fitted. I just wanted something modern and freestanding. There was nothing.”

On a whim, she walked into a small rug shop on the King’s Road. “I couldn’t find what I wanted and I was about to leave when the owner said, ‘Why don’t you do me a sketch? We can make it for you.’ ” Working with just 15 colours, she designed a simple rug, just to see how it would turn out. When it was delivered, the shop owner noticed her paintings around the house and offered her a chance to design more.

“At first, I thought, this will be easy – it’s just pattern, right?” she laughs. “But of course, it wasn’t. I had no idea about weaving, pile heights or what the materials could do.” She began to experiment with tufted and handknotted designs, quickly discovering that creativity needed to meet technical understanding.

Trips to Nepal followed, where she learned firsthand how rugs were made – knowledge she now considers essential. “You can’t design well if you don’t understand how it’s constructed. The early hand-knotted pieces were basic, partly because the knots per inch count we were using restricted us to using straight lines in the designs, but as I learned more, I pushed the boundaries.”

Below, left to right: Lady Deirdre Dyson with a selection of her palette of coloured poms, and her painting Paper and Stone, a concept that inspired her 2021 rug collection. Opposite, above left: ‘Les Rouges’, hand-knotted rug using pinks and reds in alternating wools and silks, from the 2025 ‘Light Play’ collection, has won several design awards. Opposite, above right: ‘Panels’ (Green), hand-knotted rug also from the ‘Light Play’ collection, using graded coloured panels and silk. Opposite, below: ‘Chequered’, hand. knotted in wool and silk, part of the 2015 'Illusion' rug collection.

“ The Dyson Foundation, for which Deirdre is a trustee, reflects James and Deirdre Dyson’s mutual support of art, design and technology education ”

Eventually, she was offered a partnership in the business, and when her partner stepped away in 2010, she took it over completely. “By that time, I’d already insisted on getting a computer and trained someone to digitise my sketches. I wanted to be able to manipulate the designs properly, match colours and communicate with the weavers in Nepal efficiently.”

That design technician, Nichola, is still with her today. Their process is meticulous: Deirdre draws and colours the design by hand, using crayons and carefully selected wool ‘poms’ to match hues. Nichola digitises it faithfully, matching the colours precisely on screen. “It’s like paint-bynumbers, but for master weavers,” Deirdre explains. “Every design is made to measure. The sample we exhibit is just the starting point.”

With over 5000 shades now available within both wool and silk, demonstrated with coloured ‘poms’, Dyson’s palette is vast, but her restraint is intentional. “You don’t need many colours in a carpet – but you need the right ones. And if a client brings in their curtains or sofa fabric, we can match them exactly.”

Deirdre Dyson unveils a fresh collection of stunning hand-knotted rugs each year, with the 2025 collection called ‘Light Play’. While at first the rugs were constructed using both hand-tufting and hand-knotting, now all pieces are hand-knotted and machine-tufted. Many rugs incorporate silk in the designs. A touch of silk allows light to interact with the surface in ways wool alone cannot, introducing highlights that enhance Deirdre’s signature play with depth, shadow and movement. This helps her designs transcend their two-dimensional nature, bringing a sculptural quality to otherwise flat surfaces.

The company’s two showcase galleries in the Chelsea Design Quarter in King’s Road, London and in central Paris have a very different clientele. “The London customers are very reserved and often won’t say a word. If they like something, they might come back and ask a question, or they’ll just leave without a word.

“In Paris it’s the opposite – people stop at the window, open the door and immediately say, “Wow! How long have you been here?” They start talking right away, and we have great conversations. It becomes a whole experience. I also get fantastic press coverage in French magazines, although the sales are more consistent in London.”

The Dyson Foundation, for which Deirdre is a trustee, reflects James and Deirdre Dyson’s mutual support of art, design and technology education. The foundation plays a vital role in global education, especially in promoting engineering in schools. A highlight is the James Dyson Award, where students are recognised for innovative design solutions, with winners receiving a personal phone call from James Dyson himself. The Foundation also created the Dyson Institute, now a fully accredited university offering engineering degrees. For many, it leads straight into a job at Dyson. Deirdre attends meetings and sees the impact first-hand –something she describes as both inspiring and emotional.

The couple’s shared commitment to design and education extends across our region, where James Dyson developed his first vacuum cleaner in a coachhouse just outside the city. Today, their philanthropic reach includes support for nearby education institutions, Bath Rugby Club and the Dyson Cancer Centre at nearby Royal United Hospitals Bath.

Deirdre explains that for both of them the drive behind the Foundation’s work stems from their own beginnings where creative teaching just wasn’t encouraged. “James had a similar experience to me. He was very good with his hands and making things, and he went to a good public school in Norfolk, but his headmaster wrote on his final report, ‘I’m sure James will be good at something, somehow, somewhere – though I’m not quite sure what.’ He left school with no clear idea of what he wanted to do, apart from knowing that he liked painting. So, he decided to go to art college, but without a vision for the future.”

Deirdre’s life, like her work, has been a layering of textures and colours: fine art, design, family and entrepreneurship. She sees no contradiction between her paintings and her rugs. “It’s all part of the same creative process. You move through stages, but you remain connected to them. Even a sketch I’ve kept from my student days – it still feels like me.”

And when asked whether it is colour or form that drives her work, she doesn’t hesitate: “Colour. Always. But it’s the discipline behind it that makes it sing.” n

deirdredyson.com | jamesdysonfoundation.com

The Inside Story

Our Spring/Summer 2026 Interiors Guide features our favourite traders and services best placed to make your dream home and garden a reality. From those delicate finishing touches to overseeing a total renovation project, this directory has a treasured range of experts waiting to give you a helping hand

MANDARIN STONE

15 Regent Street, Clifton, BS8 4HW 0117 973 1552 | mandarinstone.com

IVYWELL INTERIORS

To book a discovery call with the team, email hello@ivywellinteriors.com or visit: ivywellinteriors.com

Based in Bristol, Ivywell Interiors is an award-winning studio specialising in high-end residential design for refurbishments, renovations, and extensions. Collaboration is at the heart of the team’s approach to create homes that are as functional as they are beautiful. By listening closely to each client and working hand-in-hand with architects, builders and trades, Ivywell ensures every detail is considered and every space reflects the people who live there.

From first ideas to final details, the studio provides creative, practical and technical support across the entire journey, helping clients balance style and budget without compromise. Whether future-proofing a period property or bringing a contemporary extension to life, Ivywell Interiors designs homes that feel timeless, tailored and truly personal.

Renowned for its comprehensive natural stone collection, Mandarin Stone has gained quite a reputation for its on-trend and beautifully designed porcelain. Ranging from tiles that cleverly mimic materials such as wood, concrete and marble to striking glazed and patterned tiles, the collection has endless surface design possibilities. This year, Mandarin is celebrating 36 years in business and with 17 inspirational UK showrooms, it offers dependable specialist knowledge as well as technical expertise. Almost the entire natural stone and porcelain collection is held in stock in the UK, so lead times are short.

JUST SHUTTERS

0117 370 1594 | justshutters.co.uk/bristol

Whatever your style – contemporary, modern, cosy or traditional – Just Shutters has the perfect fit for you. The shutters do not fade, warp or age and come with a lifetime guarantee. Rob and Linda Reeves are experts in the field, trained to the market-leading Just Shutters standard. They are passionate about shutters and transforming the homes of local people, with an understanding of outstanding quality, great value and professional customer service. Work closely with Rob and Linda as they tailor Just Shutters to your tastes, giving you honest and impartial advice. The company has the largest range of material and finishes in the UK, granting you choice and options in terms of shutter style.

MARBLE SUPREME

Unit 8, Bridge Road, Kingswood, BS15 4FW 0117 956 3030 | marblesupreme.com

BENNETT BUILDERS

07586459565 | waynebennett@hotmail.com

Wayne Bennett of Bennett Builders is a trusted local tradesman who has been working locally, mainly in the Clifton and Redland areas, for the last 40 years. Works undertaken include renovations, new-build and general maintenance for both commercial and domestic customers.

Working with an established network of other local trades and contractors, your project will be completed on time and on budget to a high standard and you will be kept informed of progress from start to finish. Contact Wayne for a no obligation quotation, or to discuss your plans.

Marble Supreme provides master craftsmanship in stone. Whether you’re looking for new stone worktops for your kitchen or bathroom, it offers a range of materials to suit your needs. With more than 20 years of experience, the team produces a wide range of products, from beautifully crafted granite kitchen worktops and flooring, right through to bespoke stone fireplaces, vanity tops, splashbacks and sink surrounds. Marble Supreme provides a complete service –from sourcing the perfect stone to crafting perfectly-fitting and beautifully-finished kitchen worktops. It also prides itself on delivering the very best in granite, marble and quartz stone, knowing its creations will play a part in family life for years to come. Whether you know what you want or are considering the options, the team is happy to discuss your plans, so pop into the Kingswood showroom.

BONITI

Dunsdon Barn, West Littleton, Wiltshire, SN14 8JA 01225 892200 | boniti.com

Run by Giles and Simon Lunt, Boniti is a high-quality interiors and exteriors business. The showroom is a destination for all things natural stone, porcelain, and timber flooring. Boniti offers expert restoration and professional installation services, ensuring every project is completed to the highest standard. For large and small projects, the Boniti team are masters of their profession and it shows in every detail. The showroom is easily reached from J18 of the M4.

MARKSON

Pop in for a Markson coffee at 41 Alma Vale Road, Clifton, BS8 2HL 0117 973 4588 | markson.uk | enquiries@markson.uk

If you live in the Clifton area, you may well have seen one or more of the Markson vans around. A new kid on the block, Markson is becoming the go-to property partner for Bristol, offering two main services; leasehold management and construction. Using the new office on Alma Vale Road as a showroom for its construction work and with a warm welcome, you’re encouraged to pop in for a Markson coffee, meet the team behind the name and discuss your needs. ‘Managing the Present – Constructing the Future’ is truly what they are all about.

PARK FURNISHERS

Unit 1 A/B, Eastgate Retail Park, Eastgate Road, Eastville, BS5 6XX parkfurnishers.co.uk

BRACEY INTERIORS

15 Waterloo Street, Clifton, BS8 4BT 0117 973 4664 | braceyinteriors.co.uk

With more than 50 years’ experience, Bracey Interiors has earned an enviable reputation for its design services.

The Bracey Design Team offers a complete architectural and interior design service, which is tailored to your individual needs. Within the retail showroom in Clifton Village, you’ll find fabrics and wallpapers from all the major design houses as well as an eclectic mix of home accessories. Bracey is a stockist of Little Greene and Paint & Paper Library paints, which are mixed in the showroom in a matter of minutes.

There are also in-house workrooms where the team creates bespoke curtains and blinds, which are installed by Bracey’s own fitters.

For more than 55 years, Park Furnishers has been at the heart of Bristol’s home interiors scene. Now settled in its new home at Eastgate Retail Park, the store continues to offer a diverse selection of furniture – from sumptuous sofas and elegant dining sets to cosy beds – alongside a fitted kitchen and bedroom studio with more than 15 inspirational displays. As spring arrives, it’s the perfect time to refresh a bright and inviting home for the season ahead. Discover stylish sofas and dining furniture made for gathering with loved ones, plus beautiful carpets for living well. You’ll also find everything you need to prepare for entertaining at home as the days grow longer. The store is home to the best brands, including Neff, G Plan, ercol, La-Z-Boy, Parker Knoll, and Orla Kiely. Visit Park Furnishers this spring and get inspired to transform your home.

CHAUNCEYS TIMBER FLOORING

Unit 1 St Philips Trade Park, Albert Rd, BS2 0YB | chauncey.co.uk

Wood flooring brings timeless warmth and character to any home. Since 1988, family-run Chaunceys Timber Flooring has supplied and finished high-quality sustainable wood floors for homeowners, award-winning architects and renowned interior designers across the UK.

With decades of craftsmanship and specialist knowledge, Chaunceys creates beautiful floors built to last. Their collections span a wide variety of wood species, colours, finishes and styles – from rustic charm to sleek modern minimalism. Whether you're renovating a period property or designing a contemporary space, Chaunceys offers expertly crafted flooring to complement every interior scheme, including fully bespoke options.

COE

GALLERY ART RENTAL

coegallery.com

Coe Gallery introduces its Art Rental Programme offering a flexible way to live with exceptional Aboriginal artworks. Private clients, interior designers and businesses can rent works for 6 or 12 months, allowing time to experience the scale, presence and resonance of a painting within your space. A portion of rental payments may be credited towards purchase, creating a considered pathway to acquisition. The programme supports thoughtful collecting while enabling interiors to evolve with confidence and cultural integrity. Delivery and installation guidance are arranged by the gallery, with private viewings available upon request.

DUNSDON BARN

Dunsdon Barn, West Littleton, Wiltshire, SN14 8JA dunsdonbarn.com

With joined-up thinking by three of Bath’s most-loved independent homes, interiors and exterior businesses, Dunsdon Barn is a destination showroom for Boniti, with its beautiful stone, porcelain and timber flooring products; the brilliant kitchen designs by Ben Argent – with working kitchen displays on show, and Coopers Home Appliances for a fabulous range of the highest quality stoves and range cookers –including AGA, Everhot, La Cornue and Lacanche. The showroom space has been completely re-imagined and all three businesses are well-known for offering the highest standards of customer service, care and can work together to provide excellent delivery and fitting by skilled craftspeople. Conveniently located just a few miles north of Bath near Dyrham Park and J18, and with free parking, Dunsdon Barn is the perfect place to start your next dream project.

JOE’S DOORS

joesdoors.co.uk

Thinking about replacing your kitchen but worried about the cost, disruption, or who to trust?

Joe’s Doors has transformed more than 30,000 kitchens across the UK, offering a smarter, more affordable way to give your kitchen a fresh new look. The team will replace your existing doors, drawer fronts, and worktops, so there’s no need for a full refit.

Joe’s Doors offers made-to-measure replacement kitchen doors in a wide range of styles, quartz overlay worktops fitted seamlessly over your existing surfaces and fast, mess-free makeovers, often completed in just one day. Get in touch for a free, no-pressure quote.

TABITHA TARLING GARDEN DESIGN

34 Fairfield Road, Montpelier, BS6 5JP 07811169636 | tabithatarling.co.uk

Tabitha is a highly experienced landscape designer with more than 20 years of designing and installing projects of all sizes, both in the UK and abroad. She offers a full garden design service, including design concept, construction management, planting and styling. She can also provide consultations, garden coaching and advice. Tabitha works collaboratively with clients, carefully listening to their needs, to ensure the end results are elegant as well as functional. She is keen to make sure her design solutions sit well within their surroundings, with beautiful, thoughtful planting schemes and a sympathetic use of materials, whether it be it a tiny courtyard, a roof terrace or a large family garden. She works with a select group of landscape contractors and specialists, so that the design process, from concept to completion, is smooth and seamless.

Credit: Richard Downer Photography

RIGHTIO

HOME REPAIRS & HOME SERVICES

0117 322 6699 | rightio.co.uk

Founded in 2010, Rightio Subcontractor Limited has become a leading home repair company in the UK. Rightio specialises in providing expert repairs including emergency appointments for heating and plumbing, drainage, electrics and locks. As a customer-centric company, the team is on-hand seven days a week to assist with your problems, restoring your home back to normality. All the fivestar engineers are accredited, trained, have at least five years’ experience and can normally attend your property within one-to-two hours. Call today for a visit from one of Rightio’s experts!

MARTA ROSSATO INTERIORS

07932 521514 | design@martarossato.net martarossato.net

Marta Rossato Interiors is a boutique design studio specialising in architectural renovation and full service interior design for private homes. Rooted in Italian, heritage Marta works across Bristol, Bath and Italy, bringing architectural sensitivity and contemporary restraint to both period and modern properties.

She respects the integrity of each building while reimagining how it can support the way her clients live today. Through intelligent spatial reconfiguration and carefully considered materials, the spaces Marta creates feel calm, refined and deeply personal. Sustainability guides every decision, from collaborating with skilled artisans to repurposing existing pieces wherever possible. The result she acheives for her clients is that their home, is designed to evolve with their lives.

BEN ARGENT KITCHENS

Dunsdon Barn, West Littleton, Wiltshire, SN14 8JA 01225 892 270 | benargentkitchens.co.uk

Award-winning creators of beautiful bespoke kitchens. Ben Argent Kitchens is a local independent company run by Ben and Emi Argent, who have been designing and hand crafting timeless, sophisticated kitchens since 2011. Every design detail you see has been meticulously refined. Every function and material application has been imagined with the most in-depth level of consideration. And every kitchen has been installed with the highest level of precision and finesse. Their beautiful showroom is conveniently located near M4 J18 with plenty of free parking. Please contact them to arrange a viewing

PAUL WHITTAKER BATHROOMS

AND WETROOMS

Showroom by appointment at Bathroom Solutions, 54 Redcliff Street, BS1 6LS 0117 223 0086 | 07879666221 paulwhittakerbathrooms.co.uk

Paul Whittaker Bathrooms and Wetrooms is a design, supply and installation bathroom company with a huge reputation in the Bristol area. Working closely with his clients, Paul is able to deliver cleverly-designed bathrooms and wetrooms, expertly installed by his experienced team of fitters. With 3D design layouts to help with decision making and project management through the course of the works, Paul Whittaker makes bathroom renovations easy and stress-free.

Mandarin Stone

Thoughtful Surfaces for Considered Interiors

We chat to Mandarin Stone’s Louisa Morgan about how the right tiles and stone that balance design integrity with everyday practicality can create interiors that feel personal and thoughfully created

Choosing tiles and natural stone is one of the most defining decisions in any interior project. The materials selected shape how a space feels, how it functions and how well it stands the test of time.

Louisa Morgan of Mandarin Stone explains how for more than 30 years, the company has specialised in sourcing and supplying beautifully made tiles and stone that balance design integrity with everyday practicality, saying that “Bathrooms are a particular area of expertise for Mandarin Stone.”

Louisa highlights that the tiles are “regularly specified for shower rooms and ensuites because they offer a thoughtful balance of beauty and performance.” She says that considered finishes, appropriate slip ratings and a wide choice of formats make it easy to create spaces that feel calm, elevated, and practical for everyday use. “Kitchens, hallways, and living areas are equally well catered for, with durable porcelain floors, characterful stone, and decorative wall tiles that add depth and personality.”

Outdoor surfaces are another key element of the Mandarin Stone

spaces”. Louisa notes that the range includes both natural stone and porcelain paving, each selected for durability, slip resistance, and visual harmony, explaining that porcelain paving provides a low-maintenance solution that resists staining, fading, and weathering, making it ideal for terraces, pathways and contemporary garden designs, while natural stone paving offers a softer, more organic feel, with subtle tonal variation and texture that settles beautifully into its surroundings over time.

“Whether designing a modern courtyard, a relaxed garden terrace, or a continuation of an interior floor outdoors, the collection supports cohesive and considered design,” she adds.

“What sets Mandarin Stone apart,” Louisa continues, “is its design-led approach. Collections are created with versatility in mind, encouraging customers to mix formats, textures, and finishes rather than follow rigid rules. A classic chequerboard floor can feel just as at home in a modern kitchen as in a period hallway, and a richly glazed brick tile can add warmth to a contemporary bathroom or interest to a utility space.”

Louisa states the emphasis is always on helping customers create interiors that feel personal and thoughtfully curated.

“Visiting a Mandarin Stone showroom allows people to explore the collection in a calm and welcoming environment,” she says, noting that tiles are displayed on large sample boards and carefully arranged displays that make it easy to compare colours, finishes, and formats side by side.

Louisa points out that the showroom teams are knowledgeable and approachable, offering guidance on everything from layout ideas and grout choices to technical considerations and suitability.

“For those who prefer to browse from home, the Mandarin Stone website provides a comprehensive and user-friendly alternative,” she adds. The full collection is available online, supported by clear product information, practical advice, and inspirational imagery. Ordering samples is also simple process, allowing customers to see how tiles look and feel in their own space before committing. Louisa says this flexible approach suits both homeowners and design professionals working to tight schedules.

Longevity and responsible design are central to the Mandarin Stone philosophy. Porcelain tiles are valued for their durability and ease of maintenance, making them ideal for busy modern homes and outdoor settings alike. Natural stone is celebrated for its inherent variation and character, with surfaces that develop depth and patina over time rather than losing their appeal. This focus on lasting materials reflects a wider move towards interiors and exteriors that are designed to endure.

Whether planning a full renovation, reimagining an outdoor space, or making a small but meaningful update, Louisa believes Mandarin Stone offers reassurance at every stage of the process. With thoughtfully curated collections, expert guidance, and the option to explore both in showroom and online, it remains a trusted destination for those seeking timeless surfaces with lasting appeal. n

To explore the full collection, visit the Bristol showroom at 15 Regent Street, Clifton, BS8 4HW | 0117 973 1552 | mandarinstone.com

Glass half full

Gardening in the UK, as we all know, is very much driven by the weather. Last year I ate blackberry and apple crumbles for weeks on end, boxes of fruits were a regular sight at the end of people’s drives in my village with ‘please help yourself’ signs, and the trees were laden, driven by a warm sunny spring that boosted pollination, followed by a hot summer.

We don’t know yet what this year will bring, given our unpredictable climate, but having a greenhouse can remove some of the guesswork and give us a little more control, extending the season and allowing us to grow more tender plants that may not survive our outdoors.

The smell of a greenhouse is evocative of summer, that leafy, warm, damp scent that often takes us back to childhood. For me it’s pelargonium leaves and tomatoes, grown by my grandfather. Stepping into his greenhouse felt a bit magical, a warm, sunny den in the garden where you were instantly surrounded by lush green leaves and trays of who-knew-what.

Greenhouses, along with orangeries and conservatories, are largely a northern-hemisphere phenomenon, and references to ‘forcing houses’ and covered gardens can be found dating back to classical Greek and Roman times. Roman emperor Tiberius was supposedly told he needed a cucumber a day for his health, his gardeners then cultivating them in beds mounted on wheels, which, in cooler months, they could move under frames glazed with sheets of selenite – a transparent rock that let the sun in.

As glass became more widely available from the early 17th century, greenhouses, or glasshouses, became the private playgrounds of the rich, used to grow fruits and flowers. Aristocratic Victorians are well-known

for their love of plant collecting and tropical rarities, and structures similar to the Palm House at Kew were built at many stately homes, heated by hot water and allowing the cultivation of tropical plants and fruits such as the coveted pineapple.

By the early 20th century, small self-assembled glasshouses were widely available to everyone with the space and money to buy, and further advances mean today’s greenhouses are relatively inexpensive, giving anyone with a little bit of space the opportunity to grow plants undercover.

Whether you are wanting a full-on orangery-style glasshouse, or a small polythene growhouse or coldframe, one of the keys to success is where it is placed. A glass greenhouse is heavy and requires a solid base in a spot where it gets plenty of light, particularly in winter. An east-west orientation is generally preferred, while a lean-to is best on a south or west-facing wall. Another big decision is whether to have a heated greenhouse or a cold greenhouse. In mild areas, a cold greenhouse can be all you need to give plants and seeds the best start in spring, protecting them from mild frosts and wind, although overwintering tender plants is still going to be a risk. Heated greenhouses cost more to run and need an electricity source, but allow year-round cultivation of a wide-range of plants, including citrus fruits and orchids.

At this time of year, the greenhouse comes into its own, providing a space to start off seeds for early sowings of flowering plants and veg. Cool-season leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, kale and rocket can be sown now, and with some heating you can also grow more tender crops like tomatoes, peppers, courgettes and beans, ready for planting outside

later on. Other more hardy veg, such as spring onions and radishes, will benefit from a head start in the greenhouse in early spring, as will many herbs, including basil, coriander and parsley.

In terms of flowers, now is the time to start growing summer bedding in the greenhouse, such as snapdragons, petunias, cosmos, zinnias, marigolds and dahlias. Young plants bought in trays at the garden centre or supermarket can also be grown on and hardened off before they go outdoors once the risk of frosts has passed.

Another advantage of greenhouse growing is protection from pests. There’s nothing more depressing than discovering a slimy slug or snail trail across your carefully grown seedlings, and a greenhouse bench is a much safer spot than the bare soil. Watering is also more controlled, and plants dry out less quickly in a humid environment. Aim to water in the morning and consider simple automatic systems such as capillary matting under your seedling trays, or drip irrigation from a water butt. High humidity can lead to fungal diseases though, so good ventilation is also vital.

Greenhouses can be attractive features in their own right, blending function and beauty. A greenhouse can be a quiet retreat and somewhere to sit and relax with the addition of a small chair, cushions and perhaps some solar fairy lights for when the sun goes down. Wooden structures can be painted in soft heritage colours, and think too about the area around the greenhouse, perhaps framing the entrance with climbers or potted plants, or positioning it at the end of a path so it draws the eye and provides a focal point. n

Elly West is a professional garden designer, working in and around the Bristol area | ellyswellies.co.uk

Plant of the month: Tomato

March is prime season for tomato sowing, whether they are greenhouse varieties or ones that will be grown on outside in beds, containers or growbags. Fill trays with seed compost and sprinkle the seeds thinly on the surface, then cover them with a fine layer of compost. They will need warmth to germinate, so start them indoors on a sunny windowsill, or invest in a heated propagator if you want to keep them in the greenhouse. Generally speaking, from around mid-April they can be moved to the greenhouse, once night-time temperatures are around 10°C.

Leaves should appear around two to four weeks after sowing. When your seedlings are ready to pot on, at around 5-10cm tall, bury them deeply, up to the first set of leaves. The buried stems will then throw out more roots, anchoring them more firmly in the soil and encouraging a stronger root system.

There are lots of varieties to choose from, from tiny cherries to large beefsteak and colourful heritage types, but among the best-selling for reliability are ‘Sungold’, ‘Gardener’s Delight’, ‘Moneymaker’ and ‘Shirley’. Check the packet to see whether your variety is a bush or a cordon. Cordon varieties will need support and the sideshoots removing as they grow to encourage heavier crops, while bush varieties are better for containers, needing little support and no pruning.

BENNETT BUILDERS

PROPERTY NEWS

DISCOVER THE LATEST NEWS FROM BRISTOL’S PROPERTY EXPERTS

Supply & Demand

Demand for best-in-class family homes, in sought after locations, not requiring significant refurbishment, still remains very strong and continues to outstrip supply. When such a home is sensibly priced, it will have the high levels of interest such that buyers will struggle to be aggressive on price. Instead you will need to focus on how they are the best buyer to ensure a smooth transaction; buyers in a position to proceed will always have better negotiation power particularly at the higher end of the market where many buyers put on hold the sale of their own home until there appeared to be more certainty in the world.

Mortgage Rates heading in the right direction

Whilst recently reported rates of inflation suggest the trend of continued rate cuts is likely to be on pause, temporarily, 2026 kicked off with positive news from lenders: “Expectations are high for a booming market in 2026. Mortgage rates are lower year-on-year, and the choice of deals is abundant,” said Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfacts.

As borrowing becomes more attractive the market will open up for both up-sizers and down-sizers; the latter who whilst focussing on releasing equity, may now start seeing properties that will prompt them to market their own larger home.

now the time?

Looking to buy a new home –is

ith a year of uncertainty behind us and the timing of the Budget having killed the traditionally buoyant Autumn market – 2026 is getting off to a far more positive start.

I have seen a number of buying clients who last year were faced with uncertainty around their tax position and very much ‘wait and see’, this year be proactive and focussed from the get-go. But is now the right time to crank up the search for your perfect home?

Resilience of the Bristol Market

Whilst London and other parts of the country have seen significant price slumps and volatility, Bristol’s market has shown steady resilience with moderate growth. ONS and local reports show a gradual increase of around 2-3% growth year on year. This steadiness is a factor for buyers who value lower short-term risk and long-term growth potential.

Wait till Spring?

Sellers, especially at the higher end of the market will be particular on the timing of their launch. Understandably, there will be an amount of pride for many in having the garden looking perfect, and hence a spring launch is planned by many a seller.

For a proceedable buyer, now however can be that sweet spot ahead of a busy spring market. I’d always advise talking to the agents to flush out, if possible, what they may be looking to publicly launch in spring. If you can get in there early to view, all the better! For those early off-market viewings, however, be prepared to likely have to go to guide price in order to tempt a seller away from waiting for the spring launch.

With stable prices, easing borrowing costs, improving affordability, and hopefully a healthier supply of homes – 2026 could be your year!

Whatever stage you are at in the search for your perfect, I’d always love to chat.

Lili Oliver Oliver Roth Property Consultants

T: 0117 9877 828 | E: home@oliverroth.co.uk

Keep up-to-date with our latest news, deals, testimonials and market www.burstoncook.co.uk

*AVAILABLE WITH NEW PLANNING*

Fantastic visibility with 1,000’s of vehicles passing every day on the main A38 close to Bristol Airport. Suits showroom / retail / workshop / stores / offices

New consents for:

• EVCP charging facility • Conversion to 7 flats

Cheltenham Road, BS6 FOR SALE / TO LET

438 sq ft (40.68 sq m)

A modern, ground floor office suite with fully glazed frontage located in the heart of Stokes Croft. The office is predominantly positioned on Cheltenham Road, surrounded by cafes, bars and restaurants.

Portwall Lane, BS1 TO LET – POA

Floors from 2,105 – 5,753 sq ft (195.55 – 534.45 sq m)

A Grade A office building which has been sympathetically refurbished to the highest standard, with strong ESG credentials and offering boutique floor plates.

Market Place, Warminster FOR SALE – £325,000

1,680 sq ft (156.07 sq m)

Offered for sale is a freehold investment opportunity in Warminster. The property consists of a ground floor retail unit, and two residential units on the first and second floor.

Barrs Court Road, BS30 FOR SALE – £795,000 exc 8,554 sq ft (794.67 sq m)

A freehold site of circa 0.55 acres, comprising an office building, two industrial buildings and further storage buildings. To suit owner occupier, developer, or investor.

QC30, BS1 FOR SALE / TO LET 1,005 sq ft (93.30 sq m)

A modern, predominantly open plan office suite with dual aspect windows in the heart of Bristol City Centre. A 10 min walk to Bristol Temple Meads Station, the property is suitable for a variety of uses within Use Class E.

Denmark Street, BS1 TO LET – From £10,000 pax 283 –1,167 sq ft (26.29 -108.41 sq m)

Two units, available over ground floor. Ideal for professional use, beauty, hair, retail etc. New lease terms available.

Westfield Park, Redland, BS6 TO LET – £23.00 psf

1,521 sq ft (141.3 sq m)

A contemporary office located just off Whiteladies Road. Due to be refurbished to a high standard with 3 onsite car parking spaces.

Queens Road, BS8 TO LET – £19.50 psf

1,398 sq ft (129.87 sq m)

An attractive office suite located in this popular and prominent location on Queens Road in Clifton. Providing 3 floors of light and bright office accommodation. New lease available.

NEW APPROVED CONSENTS.....

Fantastic visibility with 1,000’s of vehicles passing every day on the main A38 close to Bristol Airport. Suits showroom / retail / workshop / stores / offices

New approved consents for:

• EVCP charging facility

• Conversion to 7 flats

information can be obtained via the sole agent

The basement offers ample storage space and a single W.C. Services include water, electricity and an air conditioning unit in the ground floor. Quoting £38,500 per annum, exclusive.

Clifton calling: New show home opens at Canynge Place

A rare opportunity has emerged in one of Bristol’s most coveted postcodes, with the launch of a new show home at Canynge Place from Acorn Property Group. The development on Canynge Road (BS8) introduces a refined collection of 35 contemporary one- and two-bedroom apartments, starting at £285,000, uniting the sensitive conversion of a 1960s office building with a striking new-build addition.

With opportunities to buy new in Clifton increasingly scarce, early reservations were secured ahead of the formal launch, but the newly unveiled show apartment means you can now completely immerse yourself in the open-plan living spaces awash with natural light, contemporary fitted kitchens with Siemens integrated appliances and meticulously curated finishes throughout. Karndean flooring underfoot, soft carpeting in bedrooms, refined bathroom fittings and distinctive black nickel ironmongery create interiors that feel polished yet warmly liveable. Designed for effortless, movein ready living, the apartments are entirely gas-free. Air Source Heat

Pumps deliver renewable heating to new-build homes and hot water to all residences via high-efficiency cylinders that optimise energy use. Selected apartments include parking, with additional spaces (some EV-ready) available by separate negotiation.

Moments from Clifton Village’s cafés and boutiques, and within walking distance of the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, The Downs and Ashton Court Estate, Canynge Place offers a compelling balance of lifestyle and connectivity. Launching from £285,000, and marketed by Knight Frank and Ocean Estate Agents, it represents an increasingly rare foothold in BS8. knightfrank.co.uk | oceanhome.co.uk

Bathed in glory

House hunters are in for a treat this month, thanks to this stunning property in Knowle offered by Boardwalk. From the luxurious copper bathtub and restored Victorian cooking range to the renovated conservatory and wraparound patio, this is a home perfect for both unwinding in with the family and entertaining everyone you know...

Boardwalk presents this beautifully renovated, semidetached five-bedroom Victorian home on the ever-popular St Martins Road, complete with off-street parking (plus a handy electric charging point) and is offered with no onward chain. The house has undergone a thoughtful and comprehensive renovation, balancing contemporary comfort with a deep respect for its period origins. Just imagine unwinding in that glorious bathtub after a long, tiring day…

Elements that particularly shine in this home include a newly installed custom designed Harvey Jones kitchen, the remodelling of the bathrooms with Witt and Berg showers (plus that jaw-dropping, free-standing copper bath) and a conservatory extension on the back of the house. The kitchen wall has been knocked through to create an open-plan kitchen diner featuring two cooking ranges; a restored Victorian range and a Lacanche cooking range. There are integrated white goods and underfloor heating running across to the living room, the kitchen and downstairs bedroom, which could also be used as a study. Off the heart of the home – the conservatory-kitchendining space – there is another large, versatile room that can be accessed separately through the garden with heaps of potential to become a studio or office space.

Address

St. Martins Road, Knowle Price

£1,250,000 Bedrooms 5 Tenure Freehold

Welcome home

Period features have been lovingly added back into the home, with all fireplaces renovated and replaced and original pieces sourced from as far as York. Cast iron radiators have been installed, the stain glass windows have been triple glazed and all windows replaced, and original floorboards have been retained and restored. On the ground floor, a guest bathroom tucked neatly under the stairs has been added, with an antique cistern sourced from the Lake District and a tap from a French castle (pictured, right). You’re bathed in natural light as you make your way upstairs thanks to the addition of a skylight in the stairwell, which travels all the way down the landings and internal section of the house.

The middle floor features three bedrooms, including the master which overlooks the garden, while the smaller bedroom leads out to a balcony that overlooks the front of the home. The two top floor bedrooms have been remodelled, with eaves storage added and an additional dormer to add more light into one of them. Large Velux windows have been installed in the street-side room, which enjoys amazing views across the valley to Dundry. You will find the large water tank, pressure pumps, and a water softener on this floor; these have been installed to ensure consistent pressure and longevity of appliances. A new boiler has been installed, as well as new electrics throughout the house, plus all the ceilings and walls have been replastered and there has been a complete redecoration throughout.

This home is lucky to have a remarkably large garden for the area, with side access through a lean-too (which has just been rebuilt) and a large patio space that wraps around the conservatory, creating a fantastic area to host family and friends for summer drinks. Beyond the patio there is a sprawling garden that leads to two sheds at the back of the plot.

Knowle: in the know

St Martins is one of the most desired roads in South Bristol, with its leafy greenery and grand Victorian homes. Just off Wells Road, it’s on the doorstep of a thriving hub of local life and home to an ever-growing selection of independent shops, cafés, and restaurants. You can pop to Fox and West to enjoy artisan produce and coffee, tuck into freshly made pizza at Acapella, sip drinks at The Smoke Box, order craft beers at Bruhaha, and beautiful blooms from Floriography, famous for its stunning Christmas wreaths. Nearby Bank also offers exceptional food and a renowned Sunday lunch, while The Oxford provides live music and The Knowle Pub serves as the perfect neighbourhood spot for food, drinks and garden gatherings.

Life in Knowle offers an exceptional sense of community and access to some of Bristol’s most cherished green spaces. Perrett’s Park lies just at the end of the road and is a fantastic spot for play, picnics, or city views, while Redcatch Park – with its vibrant Community Garden – are only a short walk away, hosting family events, sports and community celebrations throughout the year. Arnos Vale Cemetery, which has stunning scenic walks and the popular Atrium Café, is also nearby, as are Victoria Park and Callington Road Nature Reserve – perfect for weekend strolls or dog walks in every season.

Families will appreciate the outstanding local schools, including the much-loved Sydenham Road Pre-School and Hillcrest Primary, both a short walk away, along with the Totterdown Children’s Community Workshop providing quality wraparound care. The area is also ideal for commuters, with Bristol City Centre just a 30-minute walk, or a quick cycle or bus ride down Wells Road. And for anyone commuting or visiting loved ones further afield Temple Meads station is within easy reach, offering fast links to London and beyond. n

For more information about this listing, and to view other available properties in Bristol, visit boardwalkpropertyco.com

Why London buyers continue to look west

By Peter Greatorex, Managing Director, Peter Greatorex Unique Homes

There has long been a natural connection between London and bristol, largely driven by strong transport links. With direct trains taking around 75 minutes and easy access to the M4 corridor, the two cities have always been closely connected.

During the pandemic period five years ago, that connection intensified as remote working allowed more London-based professionals to reconsider where they wanted to live. While that surge has settled, the underlying relationship has not disappeared. What we are seeing now is not a wave of relocation, but a steady and deliberate flow of buyers who view Bristol as a long-term move rather than a temporary shift.

Bristol is often seen as a practical alternative for London-based families who still want to remain connected to the capital. It offers city living on a smaller, more manageable scale, with transport links that make regular travel to London entirely workable. At the same time, it provides more space, access to countryside and a pace of life that feels less pressured. For many, it is not about leaving city life behind, but about finding a better balance.

The conversations we are having with London buyers are often centred around lifestyle. Access to strong schools, open countryside on the doorstep, independent cafés and restaurants, and the ability to walk across the city rather than commute across zones are frequently mentioned. There is also consistent demand for homes that offer flexibility, including space for working from home, multi-generational living or layouts that allow for future reconfiguration.

Of course, the way buyers search has evolved. The majority of initial enquiries still come through portals such as Rightmove. That remains the starting point for most people. However, once a property has caught their attention, presentation becomes increasingly important.

London buyers are often time poor. They cannot make multiple exploratory trips, so much of their decision-making happens before they visit. Professional photography, c lear descriptions, strong video content and thoughtful use of social media all help build confidence early on.

We have found that this type of content connects particularly well with buyers coming from outside Bristol. Video, in particular, allows them to understand the setting, proportions and flow of a home in a way that static images alone cannot. Social media also plays a growing role in widening reach, often bringing properties to the attention of buyers who were not actively searching in that specific area.

In short, the digital presentation of a property now does much of the initial work. By the time a London buyer travels down for a viewing, they are usually already well informed and, in many cases, ready to proceed.

For many London-based families, Bristol offers continued access to the capital alongside more space, strong schools and a different pace of life.

As a long-standing member of The Guild of Property Professionals, our connection is particularly relevant in this context. The Guild links us to a national and international network of more than 800 independent agents, including a strong presence in London. This allows properties in Bristol to be shared directly with agents whose buyers are already considering a move west, rather than relying solely on online searches..

On 2 April, we will be taking part in an exhibition at the Mayfair office in London, providing an excellent opportunity to showcase our properties to buyers actively exploring relocation to Bristol, Bath and the surrounding area. If you are thinking of selling and would like to include your property, please contact us now. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a strictly first-come, first-served basis.

The underlying reasons people move remain consistent. For many London-based families, Bristol offers continued access to the capital alongside more space, strong schools and a different pace of life. The beauty of Bristol is that it allows people to feel they have not left city living behind entirely, but instead found a version of it that works more comfortably for the long term.

Saville Court, Saville Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4EJ 0117 325 2600 | info@petergreatorex.co.uk www.petergreatorex.co.uk

Clifton, Bristol |

A superb semi-detached four-bedroom family house on a quiet and sought-after road overlooking Clifton Lawn Tennis Club; complete with a walled rear garden, outdoor kitchen and off-street parking. Stylish semi-detached family house in the heart of Clifton | Off-street parking for two cars | Walled rear garden with a

and

storerooms | Directly opposite Clifton Lawn Tennis Club | No onward chain | EPC: E

Clifton, Bristol | Guide Price £2,995,000

An exceptional detached family house on a sought-after road in the heart of Clifton; with over 5000 sq. ft of versatile accommodation, gated off-street parking and a walled private rear garden.

Stunning detached family house of circa 5300 sq. ft | Gated off-street parking with mechanical car-lift | Private walled rear garden and raised sun deck | Superb 44’ “Tom Howley” fitted kitchen and dining room | Elegant sitting room, a separate snug and a cloakroom | First floor master bedroom suite, guest suite, two further double bedrooms and a family bathroom | Top floor fifth bedroom and extensive play room or home office | Exceptional lower ground floor presenting the potential for a two / three bedroom annex; currently configured as a cinema room, games room, home office, gym, kitchen and shower room | Access to local independent school and sought-after state primary schools | EPC: D In all circa

Clevedon, Somerset

OIEO

£2,000,000

Stancliff is a striking Grade II listed late Georgian detached home set in an elevated position above Clevedon’s seafront.

• 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 4 receptions

• Swimming pool

• Council tax band G

• EPC rating D

Nempnett, Thrubwell

OIEO

£1,600,000

Bellevue Farm is a truly remarkable home with high quality equestrian facilities perched above Blagdon Lake.

• 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 receptions

• Plans available for bedroom extension

• 5 stables and all-weather arena

• Council tax band D

• EPC rating D

Backwell, Somerset

OIEO £750,000

Holly Cottage is a secluded and characterfilled home on Backwell Hill combining period features with modern comforts.

• 5 bedrooms, 4 bath/shower rooms, open plan kitchen/dining/family room

• 2 further reception rooms

• Separate 2 storey annexe with kitchenette, WC and separate heating system

Old Parsonage, Blagden

OIEO

£1,650,000

An elegant period country residence in the heart of this popular village with lawned gardens and breathtaking views.

• 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms

• Separate 2 storey annexe with kitchenette, WC and separate heating system

• Council tax band G

• EPC rating D

Upper Langford, Somerset

OIEO

£1,075,000 30%

• One of twelve new luxury homes in the grounds of an historic estate

• Rural village with vibrant community, traditional pub and farm shops

• 30% Sold STC

• Xero Carbon Smart homes built by luxury developer, Verto

• Pay no energy bills, guaranteed with Octopus Energy