Supper clubs/pop-ups
“Not unique to Bristol and, okay, not as underground and hush-hush as they once were, supper clubs and pop-up restaurants have blossomed in this city as we are a creative, curious and broad-minded lot, I’d like to think. Even if I didn’t have one of my own, I would still be championing this exciting fringe of the Bristol food scene. The beauty of them is they are as individual as the people that run them, the food tends to reflect the hosts’ personality and passions, and they are great fun, so go and try them all! Guests all sit together so you’ll always be meeting new people. Go with an open mind and you’ll benefit from a unique culinary and social experience.”

Gloucester Road
“Gloucester Road is one of my favourite parts of Bristol, which is why I moved to the area in 2006. It is a true community of friendly, independent shops, cafes and bars, all with their own unique personality and mainly family-run. I love that you can chat to the owners about what they have and do, they are so passionate and knowledgeable. My favourite spots on Gloucester Road are Tart, the Gallimaufry and Grape & Grind to name but a few. I also enjoy the scouring the charity shops for bargains. I joined the Gloucester Road WI about a year ago and we’re currently working on putting together a Gloucester Road Cookbook, featuring recipes from the independent businesses on the road, as well as from our members. We’re having a fundraising tea party on Easter Monday.”

Christmas Steps
“Like Gloucester Road, the Christmas Steps is another example of a brilliant collection of creatives and independents. My favourites are SHOP who sell vintage clothes and host exhibitions and pop-ups in their art space, and Bristol Cider Shop, who I regularly do cider-matching dinners with at the supper club – and they sell great cider, what’s not to like?! They also hold seasonal artisan markets on the steps, which are great fun and a fab place to pick up unique, handmade gifts.”

Restaurants, cafes and pubs
“Following on from the above, I mainly stick to the independents who are passionate about what they do. I’m a chef so like to spend time eating and drinking when I’m not cooking or entertaining. I like Source in St. Nick’s Market (and St. Nick’s market generally, especially the farmers’ market on Wednesdays), Flinty Red on Cotham Hill and Manna in Westbury Park. There are always new places to try in Bristol but these are permanently on the go-back-to list. There are too many great little quirky pubs to mention, serving proper beer and cider and, often, delicious food and awesome roasts. The Green Man in Kingsdown and the Star & Dove in Totterdown are good examples.”

City parks, farms and foraging hotspots
“Favourite places of mine include St Werburgh’s City Farm, the nearby Narroways (below) and St Andrew’s Park. One of my favourite things about Bristol is that, even though it’s a bustling city with lots going on, there are many places you can go to relax and enjoy nature and you don’t have to travel far out of the city to get to the countryside either. I think it’s important to have balance in life, to take time now and again to go for a walk or a cycle, or just be outside and not be surrounded by buildings, traffic and noise. For me, it’s helpful to get out of the kitchen occasionally and see what’s actually growing, which gives you an idea of what’s in season. Doing a bit of gentle foraging keeps me connected to this, gives me a feeling of peace and is always a bonus to find and make use of the free food that’s available. Just don’t overdo it – please leave some for others to enjoy!”