Sarah Newman is one of the organisers of the Depressed Cake Shop, taking place at the Bearpit market on Saturday, August 17.
The Depressed Cake Shops are running worldwide over various dates this month, aiming to raise awareness of mental health issues. All cakes will be grey on the outside, but perhaps have a colourful inside or somehow convey a message relating to the mental health issues.
Read more about Bristol’s Depressed Cake Shop here.
Here are Sarah’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Stokes Croft
“I like cutting through the Bearpit from the city centre and coming out the other side to find such an eclectic mix of shops. With its street art and independent businesses, it’s quite a contrast from the likes of Primark and Debenhams nearby. There’s quite a selection of places to eat and drink, like Patisserie Leila (they serve amazing gateaux slices and macaroons), Cafe Kino and the Canteen. I also love nothing more than browsing the books and magazines in the Here Gallery shop.”
Coffee
“From roasters like Extract and Clifton Coffee Company to great coffee shops like Small Street Espresso, Friska and Spicer & Cole, I feel spoilt for choice when it comes to good coffee in Bristol. My favourite is Didn’t You Do Well on Park Row. The combination of Has Bean coffee beans and a Slayer espresso machine produces the only coffee I’ve never had to add sugar to. Not only that, but they also serve Hart’s Bakery pastries.”
The view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge from Brunel Way
“No matter the weather, the view from Brunel Way is always one of my favourite sights in Bristol. You get a full view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge over the River Avon and all the various buildings perched on the hill in Clifton. The drive along Hotwell Road and the Portway under the bridge is equally stunning.”
The harbourside
“There’s something about being around the harbourside that almost feels like being on holiday. Maybe it’s because I’m near the water, the people enjoying a drink outside, the scenery or that it slightly reminds me of Antwerp’s harbour (one of my other favourite places). I feel lucky that there’s never a shortage of things to do either with M Shed (their Chocolate! exhibition earlier this year was particularly good), Arnolfini, Watershed and I have been known to enjoy coffee and a chocolate macaroon at Bordeaux Quay on many an occasion.”
Chocolate history
“Ever since I found out that Fry’s made the world’s first chocolate bar in Bristol (now the site of Guilbert’s on Small Street), I’ve been fascinated by it’s chocolate heritage. I even tried to have a look round the old Elizabeth Shaw factory in Greenbank, but sadly it’s in a state of disrepair and security is very tight.”
