Tomorrow sees the launch in Bristol of Women Outside the Box, the UK’s first festival of female entrepreneurship. The festival aims to champion multi-tasking, flexibility and online working. It will feature advice workshops, inspirational speakers, and business to business exhibitors, as well as a mumpreneurs’ market selling everything from cupcakes to corsets.

For more information, visit www.womenoutsidethebox.co.uk.

This week’s Bristol top-five favourites are from Melissa Neil, one of the team of organisers behind Women Outside the Box:

St Mark’s Road
A great place if you want to sample some North African, Indian or West Indian ingredients and cuisine. Easton is home to one of the most diverse communities in the inner city, with temples, mosques and churches. I enjoy going food shopping on St Mark’s Road for Caribbean and Indian ingredients and then heading to one of the cafes for a spot of lunch. It’s a great education for my kids too as we live in a predominantly white area.
www.visiteastside.co.uk

St Paul’s Carnival
When I was a kid growing up in Montpelier I used to go to what the locals simply call “carnival” with my mother and it was a great way to feel part of my African/Caribbean heritage. In my late teens and as an adult the event took on a whole new meaning and I would enjoy raving to DJs like the Wild Bunch who later became Massive Attack. I know that Roni Size quotes St Paul’s Carnival as being a huge influence on his music.
www.stpaulscarnival.co.uk

The Tobacco Factory
The Southville and Ashton area is a lovely part of the city, with the Tobacco Factory at the centre of all the activity. Events like UpFest, taking place around the Tobacco Factory, sees artists from around the world descend on Bristol. It is a fantastic sight, seeing all that graffiti art being created before your very eyes. The place has a great vibe and reflects Bristol’s diverse cultural scene.
www.tobaccofactory.com

Riverstation
The best independent restaurant in Bristol in my opinion. I always eat downstairs, which is reasonably priced and has a laid back atmosphere. The food is a range of delicious dishes including Spanish style tapas, and bistro type fare. They have independently brewed beer and ciders, there is a great view of the Floating Harbour and my favourite part is that my children get to eat free before 6pm.
www.riverstation.co.uk

Hausbar (below)
Hausbar is a hidden gem at the top of Blackboy Hill. They do fabulous cocktails and it has a very cosy and exclusive feel to it, a bit like a 1930s cocktail bar. If you are in a group you can book ahead, which means a table is reserved for you. You go down some stairs and knock on the door to gain entry. If they like the look of you then they let you in! They really know their stuff when it comes to shaking up a knock-out cocktail.
www.hausbar.co.uk