Thursday, 29 May 2014

I have heard many people complain about this country, mostly about the weather. It is true that the UK doesn't have a tropical climate; here, when sun shines at midday does not mean it won't rain one hour later. We get cold and snowy winters, but also sunny and really hot summers!

I have been living in Bristol for over two year now. I found several things I really like in this country but also some others that I would never get used to. Perhaps you will share some of my likes, maybe you won't... Anyhow, I hope you all enjoy the post and leave a comment below! 

THINGS I LIKE...
I like the politeness of British people. "Thank you" and "Sorry" are words I listen very often. Sometime, it even comes out too easily and I don't really feel they are truly sorry. However, this is better than not acknowledging they are sorry or thankful at all. 
Most people will hold the door for me, which makes me feel uncomfortable sometimes, as I barely get the chance to hold the door for them and return the favour! I realise about how important it is to be polite when I go back to your country and waiters and shop assistants don't care about me at all!

Queuing is a national "sport" in the UK. And I like it! British people queue for anything and everything, and most importantly, they respect the queues. Do not dare at skipping the queue! Once, my brother and I were in Bratislava waiting to get a flight back to London and as somebody started queuing before boarding by leaving his suitcase and getting a seat closeby. The next one did the same and in a matter of minutes, there was a complete queue of suitcases, as you can see in the picture! The most amazing fact was that when we were about to board, everybody respected the suitcase-queue!







I like the fact that all shops are open on Sundays. It doesn't happen in my country. Sundays are supposed to be the day where everybody have rest and therefore, all shops are closed. The only plan for Sundays used to be either to go to a restaurant/bar or to the cinema. Here on the contrary, I go out and don't feel the sadness and depressing feeling of Sundays.

Postcard shops are a dream for me. I really like sending (and receiving) postcards. Birthday, Christmas... anything is an excuse to send postcards. UK is the dreamland for postcards-lovers, while postcard sections in my country barely take a couple of metres.

Mobile contracts are really cheap here. You can have a huge amount of minutes and internet data for only 5 pounds with "low-cost" companies such as Lebara, Giffgaff or Three. Nonetheless, these kind of companies are recently getting more and more popular in Spain too.


It is also very convenient to be able to withdraw money free of charge at cash machines different to your bank. It does not happen back home. There, you need to find a cash machine which belongs to your bank. Otherwise, you will be charged a fee every time you withdraw money from other bank's cash machines. I also like not to be charged for money transfers between different bank accounts. Back in my country, if accounts don't belong to the same bank, you would be charged 2-5 euros per transfer. Insane!!
Not to mention the cash-back service. I first heard about the cash-back when I was in the USA about 5 years ago. When you buy something, you can ask to be charged more and you'll get the money in cash. Very useful service which doesn't exist back in my country.

The variety of ciders and beers is another good thing in the UK. It is the only thing a student can afford, anyway! Most cities have many local breweries and produce their own local beers and ciders. It is getting popular as well to brew your own beer at home and most supermarkets sell kits for you to produce your own beer at your place. I haven't tried it yet, though!

The best invention of all are the kettles. I haven't seen a kettle until I got to the UK and even at the beginning, I didn't think they were very useful. However, I changed my mind. They are the perfect tool to cook pasta without needing to wait long time waiting for the water to boil. The kettle will do it within seconds. Thanks kettle!

THINGS I WILL NEVER GET USED TO...
First of all, I have to clarify that 'English punctuality' is a myth! I have checked it at work as well as with some friends and there is nothing like English punctuality. British people might be more structured than us, for example, and develop more project plans and schedules, but the bus always runs late!

I will never get used to those tiny little traffic lights for pedestrians. Even though some of them are located where they should (right in front of you), many times I found those lights are located in one side!! This is totally useless unless you are standing right next to it! If there is a crowded crossing, I can't see if the light is red or green! 
However, some weeks ago I realised that these side traffic lights are strategically located: if you look at those traffic lights, your head will automatically looking at the direction where traffic comes! Very useful for those who just arrived to the country.


British people will probably disagree with the following but with all respect I have to say that the two only good things of the British gastronomy are the English Breakfast and the Sunday Roast. And maybe I can add Fish & Chips to the list if you are in a coastal town. The fact of having beans for breakfast is something very surprising to my friends back home, but I have to admit I like it (and beans are probably the healthiest thing you can eat in an English Breakfast!). The rest of the British gastronomy are pies and cakes, full of butter and calories! 

I also have to complain about how many Spanish people there are in Bristol. The crisis brought many young and unemployed people to this country and Bristol is a common destination: it's not as big as London and yet has the benefits of a big city. It's not that I hate Spanish but I have to say that sometimes I don't really feel that I am living in the UK anymore. I am at the city centre and the only language I hear is Spanish! 

Wine is another concern. Why is it so expensive? Back home, we had a litre of (bad) wine for less than one euro. Why the cheapest wine here costs at least 5 pounds? If at least it was good wine... I like drinking "Kalimotxo", a traditional Basque drink which has fifty-fifty wine and coke, something traditionally drunk by young people as it is very cheap. However, to drink a kalimotxo in the UK is as expensive as having a Rum-Coke! Not fair!

I also cannot understand why they take so long at the pharmacies to give you what you need. I am not sure if it happens just at my local pharmacy, but when I have a prescription, they make me wait (what in my opinion is) too long. They take your prescription and they ask you to take a seat. Then, you join other 5-6 people that are also waiting for their stuff. Meanwhile, the pharmacist is taking other people's prescriptions and asking them to take a seat. Wouldn't it be easier to just give each of us what we need when they read the prescription? I am sure they have a system, though. If anyone knows about it, please, let me know!

Although I like the fact that British people don't really care about what the rest thinks about their clothes or look, sometimes it gets too extremeWhen I go shopping for example, I see clothes that I wonder who would wear them... and half an hour later I see somebody! I have seen two 15-year-old mums wearing animal onesies walking their kids and I am not sure who looked more childish! Crazy!

Last but not least, why do I see so many people burb in Bristol? Anytime, anywhere... they don't really care if somebody is around! It's disgusting! Come on, guys!!

-----------------------

Do I forget anything? If you are a foreign person, what else do you like or dislike? If you are local, what did surprise you? Please, feel free to leave your comment! :)
Posted by Great little place called Bristol On Thursday, May 29, 2014 4 comments READ FULL POST

Friday, 23 May 2014

Just a couple of minutes ago, I was coming back from the city centre when some young guys who were begging or just hanging out in a tunnel-pass at the Bearpit asked me to smile. I don't really like when people I don't know asks me to smile, neither people I know. Why could I smile if a couple of metres before a wall reminded myself how screwed up the world is.

"There are 4.1 million homeless people and 11 million empty houses in Europe"
(Photos taken 23rd May 2014)

Over a year ago, I read in one Spanish newspaper the first case of a woman who killed himself because she couldn't afford living anymore. The bank would take her out of her house because she wouldn't pay her morgage; she was unemployed, her husband left her and she had some children's mouth to feed. It was not the first and last case. Sadly, week after week, I have read many similar cases.
For years, many people were living above their limits, buying stuff they couldn't afford, the banks gave money to people who wouldn't be able to pay off... Then, the crisis knocked the door of most families. Those who were lucky enough to keep their jobs, they had under very crappy condition; those who weren't as lucky, lost their jobs, running away this world as fast as they could and leaving to their beloved family a legacy of debts and owings.

This is sadly what the exhibition at the Bearpit Outdoor Gallery reminded me of. I am sure this is the impression the artists wanted to get from people. And then, some idiots asked me to smile. Here is my smile, then.

"The writing on the Wall"
Photographs of Europe's Hidden Spaces
Posted by Great little place called Bristol On Friday, May 23, 2014 No comments READ FULL POST

Wednesday, 21 May 2014

I am not able to remember if it was the same last year but this May's Bank Holiday is full of festivals. It's been several weeks that most of the hostels are fully booked in Bristol with people coming if it's not for the VegFest, they are coming for the Love Saves the Day festival or Dot to Dot. The fact is that there are still some tickets available for the festivals so if you haven't plan anything for the long weekend, here you have some ideas:

23-24 May: Bristol VegFest 
I went to Bristol VegFest last year because Caravan Palace was playing. It was a great a great night of music, although pretty cold and rainy at the Amphitheatre. You can read about it here. This time it's Boney M who is leading the lineup. 
For those who don't have a clue who Boney M is, just type "Rivers of Babylon" or "Daddy Cool" on Youtube and I'm sure you will recognise the songs. Boney M was one of the biggest groups to stand out in the pure disco dancing 70s and 80s. Every discotheque around the world played Boney M when my mom was young and crazy! LOL. I'm sure she would love to be here! 
There are other interesting bands playing throughout the weekend too, for instance, Abba Gold (tribute to Abba), Peter Hook and The Light, Goldblade and many more. Check the whole programme here. Advance tickets for Friday cost 15 pounds but I found a deal on Groupon and Friday tickets cost 9.90  pounds (buy here).

24 May: Dot to Dot
This is a festival I also mentioned last year (read here) although I didn't have the chance to go as tickets were sold out. The festival started nine years ago in Nottingham and has established itself as the UK's premier festival for unearthing the hottest new talent around the globe (at least, that's what they say at their website). The festival takes place in Manchester on Friday, in Bristol on Saturday and in Nottingham on Sunday.
The lineup are Peace, Drenge and Real Estate although many more bands will be spread in different venues all over Bristol: O2 Academy, Trinity, Thekla, The Lousiana, The Fleece, Exchange, Start the Bus, The Birdcage, Stag & Hounds, The Lanes, Brewdog and Roll for the Soul. Advance tickets cost 22 pounds booking fees included and can be bought here.


24-25 May: Love Saves the Day
Last year, they had a different name for each day of the festival ("Love Saves the Day" and "Love Saves Sunday") but apparently this year, the have chosen to keep the same name for both days. You can read about our experience last year at Love Saves Sunday, it was amazing! (Here) I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the place (Castle Park), the festival... 
This years lineups are Annie Mac, Eats Everything and Hercules and Love Affair on Saturday, and SBTRKT, Jamie XX and Neneh Cherry on Sunday. Advance tickets now cost 39.50 pounds on Sunday (Sorry, tickets for Saturday are sold out already!) and can be bought here. Volunteering is also possible for this festival and in return, you'll receive free entry to the festival, t-shirts, light refreshments during your shift and the opportunity to earn a Love Saves The Night ticket. Check the official website for more information.


YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE TO READ ABOUT...
VegFest 2013
http://greatlittleplacecalledbristol.blogspot.com.es/2013/05/parisian-mischievousness.html

Dot to Dot 2013http://greatlittleplacecalledbristol.blogspot.com.es/2013/05/dot-to-dot.html
Love Saves Sunday 2013
http://greatlittleplacecalledbristol.blogspot.com.es/2013/05/all-you-need-is-love.html
Posted by Great little place called Bristol On Wednesday, May 21, 2014 No comments READ FULL POST

Monday, 19 May 2014

Exeter, the historic city in Devon, is a very good place to go for a day trip. It is only 1h30min away from Bristol (70 miles southwest) and there are many interesting things to see over there. The city is on the River Exe. Historically, its lowest bridging point was at Exeter, though there is now a viaduct for the M5 motorway about 3 kilometres south of the city centre.

HOW TO GET THERE?

National Railway connects Bristol with Exeter in a one-hour journey. The tickets normally vary, although you can buy a return ticket for 10 pounds if you book it in advance. National Express also connects Bristol with Exeter although the journey takes 2 hours and the timetable on weekends does not give many options (last coach back is at 6pm on Saturdays, for example). By car, the M5 takes you directly from Bristol to Exeter in one hour, through Bridgwater and Wellington. 

WHAT TO DO THERE?

Our visit to Exeter was the first stop on a roadtrip around Devon and Cornwall. We started the tour around the city at the quay right after we checked in on the B&B we were staying. We stayed on St Andrew's on Alphington Road (feedback about the hostel at the end of the post) and we went towards The Quay.

Such a glorious day we had! Blue sky, sun shinning... a perfect Easter day, indeed! There is a walking and cycling path on both sides of the river Exe, and the receptionist at the Inn told us The Quay was the closest and nicest place to grab something to eat.

We stopped at The Malt House, at the south side of the river. They have a very nice terrace where we had our burger to eat outside under the sun. They have an interesting deal which included a main, unlimited salad buffet, unlimited soft drink and an ice-cream for 9.99 pounds. For the record, the three of us loved the burger; good ingredients and the grilled chicken/beef was very tasty. It is a very attractive deal although I must mention that most of the waiters were not very attentive.

After lunch, we carried on our way to The Quay along the River Exe. The river gives the name to the city and the word derives from the Celtic word Isca meaning "water". Due to the fabulous weather, there were many people on The Quay, all small shops were open and everybody was sitting at the riverside, the same we do in Bristol's Harbourside(read here). 

We checked as many shop we could at the waterfront. Some of them were already closing, which surprised us very much. It was probably around 3pm on a Saturday... Nevertheless, we got enough time to buy some souvenirs and little presents from them.

We then continued the way up to the city centre. After a couple of uphill roads and following the signs, you easily get to Exeter Cathedral. It was founded in the early 12th century, became Anglican at the time of the 16th-century Reformation. It was founded when the bishop's seat was moved from the nearby town of Crediton because Exeter's Roman walls offered better protection against "pirates" (meaning probably "vikings").
I suggest you stand facing the main entrance of the Cathedral, it is impressive!
If you liked Bristol Cathedral, you should also visit the interiors of this Cathedral. The stained glass windows are like I have never seen before: apart from designs of Saints, Kings and other religious characters, which you can find in any church, Exeter Cathedral has nurses, doctors militars and other professions on the glass windows, which I find quite unique. There is also an astronomical clock whose the main dial is the oldest part of the clock. The "fleu de lys" (representing the sun) hand indicates the time on a 24-hour analogic dial. The upper dial shows the minutes. Read here for more information.

Then, we headed to the main pedestrian street in Exeter, High Street. However, before we even got there, we came across some ruins: St Catherine's Almshouses. Along with much of central Exeter, these were bombed in 1942 and the ruins are dedicated as a memorial to those who lost their lives in Exeter during WWII. The almshouses, which were founded in mid 15th century, were intented to accommodate 13 poor men of "good character", preferably with connections to the Cathedral. 



In high street, I saw what I thought it was a modern Christmas tree who lost the track of time, which to my surprise, it ended up being a quite beautiful piece of art and a source of knowledge. The triangular tree-shaped sculpture made of stainless-steel is apparently the latest addition to Exeter High Street. It has been made by Michael Fairfax and each "side" of the tree has verses from the Exeter Riddles. The Exeter Riddles date from the circa 960AD, Exeter Book, which is the earliest known example of Anglo-Saxon poetry in existence. The funny part is that you won't be able to read the poems as where they are written but on their reflex at the opposite wing (I am not sure if I make myself clear here, just click on the picture and see what I mean! LOL).

If you wanna go shopping, the High Street is the best place. However, it will be impossible to overlook the giant graffiti-like face on the wall. It is not really a graffiti, as the drawing is carved into the wall. Very impressive artwork!
Then, we looked at the map for a mili-second and a very helpful woman asked if we needed help. We were not lost, we just needed some advice on what to visit and she suggested we should go to Exeter Castle.

"Wow, A CASTLE!" That's what I thought, "I didn't know there was a castle here!". I suggest you don't imagine a wonderfully conserved fairytale castle because you will not find anything like that. Formally called Rougemont Castle is the historical castle of the city built shortly after 1068. The castle is named after the red stone found in the hill it stands on, and was used in the construction of the original buildings. It is surrounded by gardens, which were surprisingly opened at 6pm. The castle was closed, though. :(


Our last stop was at the "House that Moved". Yes, you read it right! Apparently, the house in the picture is one historic building in Exeter was first built in another location. The house was in the way of a new road and was scheduled for demolition. It dated from about 1500 although some thought it might be from the 14th century. As it was in such a poor state, it didn't seem that important a loss. However, some archaeologists pressured to conserve historically such important building and the demolition was halted and the City Council decided the best option was to move the house out of the way. On 9th December 1961, the move started. The house was raised, moved up the hill on Edmund Street until the bottom of West Street, where the house is nowadays. The whole move took around 4-5 days. Such a good story!

Then, we came back to St Andrew's Hotel, which I recommend if you are planning to stay in Exeter. We had a triple bedroom with ensuite bathroom and we found a pretty good deal online with breakfast included (Continental or English Breakfast to choose). Well location, good service and free parking at the rear. Anything you can ask for!

INTERESTING LINKS
Exeter Council: http://www.exeter.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=10126
The Malt House (Exeter): http://www.harvester.co.uk/themalthouseexeter/ourmenus/
The House that Moved: http://www.exetermemories.co.uk/em/housethatmoved.php
St Andrew's Hotel: http://www.st-andrews-hotel.com/

OTHER 1-DAY TRIPS TO...
Bath http://greatlittleplacecalledbristol.blogspot.com.es/2013/12/1-day-trip-to-bath.html
Wells and Chew Valley Lake http://greatlittleplacecalledbristol.blogspot.com.es/2013/12/1-day-trip-to-bath.html
Weston-super-Mare http://greatlittleplacecalledbristol.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/1-day-trip-weston-super-mare.html
Cardiffhttp://greatlittleplacecalledbristol.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/1-day-trip-cardiff.html
Cheddarhttp://greatlittleplacecalledbristol.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/1-day-trip-cheddar.html
 
Posted by Great little place called Bristol On Monday, May 19, 2014 No comments READ FULL POST

Wednesday, 14 May 2014

Giving local music the stage to shine!

Rave on Avon is back at Stokes Croft! Next Saturday, 17th May, an all-day multi-venue festival will take over the neighbourhood for a day of music and partying from 2pm until 6am in the morning. All events, music and dances before 6pm will be free.

For events and concerts after 6pm, you will need to get a wristband. It will give you access to the participating venues: Blue Mountain, Lakota, 51 Stokes Croft, Coroners Court and The Love Inn. Advance tickets cost 9 pounds all booking fees included and can be purchased at Lakota, Idle Hands and Bristol Ticket Shop as well as online (here). If you are not sure, you can get tickets on the day from Lakota Garden for 10 pounds anyway.

The Wild Terrace at Blue Mountain will have house music all day (2pm-9pm); Jungle, Drum&Bass, Breakcore at Room 1 (9pm-5am); and Neuro-Pop, Jungle, Bassline hosted by Antigen Sound System at Room 2 (9pm-5am). Coroners Court will have a Full Live Band called Kundama and also some dubstep, reggae and jungle from 2pm-9pm as well as some afterparty going on at the long room (9pm-4am). Lakota's garden will host food stalls, local traders, games and outdoor festival fun between 2pm and 8pm. Then, some live music at the main room (10pm-6am) and many more in other rooms. The Canteen and 51 Stokes Croft, both will have live music all day and DJs; and The Love Inn will serve brunch, burgers and pizzas all day long with music from 9pm until 4am in the morning. Check programme here.

All proceeds from the event will go to the Bristol Festival Community Group's work with training local people and ensuring BrisFest, Bristol's non-profitable showcase of the best local talent.

WEBSITEhttp://www.brisfest.co.uk/raveonavon/
Posted by Great little place called Bristol On Wednesday, May 14, 2014 No comments READ FULL POST

Monday, 12 May 2014

If you feel like listening to some traditional folk music in a really lovely location while you drink local beer, you have a plan for Wednesday. Lisa Knapp, who emerged in 2007, will be filling the Grain Barge's "Hold Bar" with traditional folk music. Fiddle, banjo, strings... She has been nominated three times by BBC Radio 2 for Folk Awards (Folk singer of the year, Best Album and Best Non-traditional Track). Check her music on the video below, it's a must!



I mentioned the Grain Barge on a previous post where I presented a walk along the riverside (read here). Tickets cost 8.75 pounds. However, as the event is happening soon, you won't be able to buy the tickets online (Please, contact Bristol Ticket Shop on 0117 929 9008 if you would like to get one). 





If you prefer to have a more relaxed evening at the "al fresco" deck admiring the views of the River Avon, remember there is a Wednesday deal where you get a free pint of Bristol Beer if you order a pie. Food is served between 6-9pm on Wednesdays!

LINKS
Posted by Great little place called Bristol On Monday, May 12, 2014 No comments READ FULL POST

Friday, 9 May 2014

This is the third Arts Trail I publish in the blog. After the West Bristol Arts Trail last October (read about it here) and then, the  North Bristol Arts Trail November last year (read about it here), it's time for artists around Westbury-on-Trym, Henleaze, Stoke-Bishop and Henbury to show their artwork. It's time for BS9 Arts Trail.



This coming weekend, 10-11 May 2014, between 11am and 5pm, artists will open their homes and galleries for you to visit them. 74 local artists will show their arts. You will have the opportunity to meet them, view their work, learn about the processes involved in producing the artworks and perhaps, you will take some an artwork you'll fall in love with.

HOW TO GET THERE: There are 20 different locations where you can perfectly get on foot once you get to the area. There are three parking areas where you can park the car if you decide to use this transportation: one in Westbury-on-Trym, in Westbury Hill which is free for 3 hours; the second one in Henleaze, St Monica car park; the last one in Durdham Downs in Stoke bishop, a short walk away from the venues. Bus numbers 2, 4, 59, 40, 40A and 41 also reach the area and organisers.



BS9 ARTS TRAIL: www.bs9arts.co.uk



Posted by Great little place called Bristol On Friday, May 09, 2014 No comments READ FULL POST

Wednesday, 7 May 2014


Hasn't your heart softened after watching this video? These young Paraguayans, who not only made very decent instruments from trash but also play them beautifully, are a clear example of how music can make a big difference in any child's life.

Matt, a good friend of mine who lives in Bristol, will spend this summer 2014 cycling around Europe with an amp, guitar and microphone, playing music to raise some money for a great charity: Musequality. This charity's mission is to support communal music-making for disadvantaged boys and girls in developing countries, giving them the skills, confidence and experience they need to turn their lives around.

He will be setting off around the 11th June during the World busk week, stopping in London before hitting the continent, following a rough draft route: Brussels, Berlin, Prague, Munich, Milan, Lyon, Barcelona, Paris.. and back to Bristol. You can follow his route on Twitter (@MattJHollins) and request any song you want him to play!

He hasn't even left yet and he has already raised 115 pounds. If you would like to donate some money for this good cause, check the website. If everybody puts their two cents, I am sure we will make a big difference in those children's lifes. 

DONATE HERE
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=buskbikematt
FOLLOW HERE: https://twitter.com/MattJHollins
MUSEQUALITY: www.musequality.org
Posted by Great little place called Bristol On Wednesday, May 07, 2014 No comments READ FULL POST

Sunday, 4 May 2014

Although I have mostly been supporting and encouraging local stores until now, I found it impossible not to mention one of the best bookshops entirely dedicated to travelling.

Located in the historical Corn Street, there is a store you must visit if you are travelling in the near future. The store is called Stanfords and for those who don't know, the Bristol branch was the first store to be opened outside London back in 1997. 

It's a two-floor shop where you can find anything you can imagine related to travelling: travel guides, maps from all over the world, travel-themed board games, Bristol merchandise, cycle-routes, kayaking routes, inflatable or decorative globes, books, stationary, sweets, travel diaries... even decorated canes!

Upstairs, there is a section where you can find sweets and candy with globe shape, stationary to keep track of your trips, beautiful journals and diaries... and also Bristol merchandise: magnets, mugs, coasters, calendars and many more stuff. There is a promotion now on selected travel guides: if you buy one, you get the second one half price. 

Next to the stairs, you will find books for children, board games related to travel and whole collection of "Mr." books to choose from. Even inflatable globes!

There are books about birds, best areas for kayaking, best bike routes, thousands of maps...

Downstairs, I found a great selection of high-definition maps from every single country I can imagine. I found a laminated flexi-map from Sri Lanka, where I will be travelling in a couple of months. Very good map which allows to mark the route with a non-permanent marker pen and then easily erase it. I think it is a very good idea so I bought it (5.99 pounds).
 
I also found my country downstairs: The Basque Country. The guide-book, which by the way doesn't have many pictures, was located next to the Spanish guides. It is written by Paddy Woodworth and gives a good idea of the most important areas and events in the Basque Country. I couldn't resist to take a picture! :)

Website: http://www.stanfords.co.uk/
Posted by Great little place called Bristol On Sunday, May 04, 2014 No comments READ FULL POST

Thursday, 1 May 2014

Starting today 1st May until 18th May, Queen Square is hosting Eat Drink Bristol Fashion. During 18 days, there will be food, live entertainment and drinks in the tipi village they built in the beautiful square close to the Harbourside.

Queen Square, planned in 1699 in honour of Queen Anne, is a garden square in the centre of Bristol. It was originally a fashionable 18th century residential area but now most of the beautiful buildings have been converted into offices. The statue of William III in the centre of the square was casted in 1733 by John Michael Rysbrack.Nowadays and especially during summertime, the square is used to host many festivals and concerts.

Eat Drink Bristol Fashion is a collaborative project that champions sustainable food production, ethical food systems and food traceability... knowing where your food has come from. All this while showcasing Bristol and the South West’s abundance of quality chefs, suppliers and restaurants to the rest of the country!  (Check website)

The May Bank Holiday is full of activities in this festival: Tomorrow (2nd May) chefs Nathan Outlaw and Valentine Warner will combine their forces to offer a fine dining schedule. Saturday, the Invisible Charity Banquet will be presented by Bristol's chefs, Coexist and The Invisible Circus. On Sunday, dinner will be provided by Head Chef at Michelin starred Bath Priory Sam Moody. And on Monday, dinner will be cooked by Casamia Michelin-starred restaurant owners Peter and Jonray Sanchez Iglesias. 

There is free entrance to the Tapas Cafe and Bar although they recommend to book a table for the dinners.

LINKS
Eat Drink Bristol Fashion: https://eatdrinkbristolfashion.co.uk/
Posted by Great little place called Bristol On Thursday, May 01, 2014 No comments READ FULL POST
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