Face of the High Street: Emily- Story Smith

Emily Ross, husband Dan and beloved cockapoo Roy, opened the local bookshop favourite, Story Smith just over a year ago and quickly became a firm favourite in the Bedminster community. 

The shelves of the shop are lined with the latest reads, the classics we all know and love and this pocket of peace wouldn’t be possible without the hard work that Emily and team have put in. 

Emily and Dan moved from London to Bristol and immediately noticed the shortage of independent bookshops in the city. They quickly fell in love with the independence seeping out of everything in Bedminster that they decided this was where they would create their dream business, making Story Smith a reality. 

Emily loves that there is a real sense of community in Bedminster and that both fellow traders and customers offer their genuine support to the business and help make it what it is. 

In the community, Story Smith work with local primary schools to support with literacy events as well as running regular events and book clubs. 

This Saturday, the team will be hosting local authors of “Winter Sleep” for a kids event of reading, singing and poetry. It is free to attend and you can sign up via their website https://storysmithbooks.com/events/sean-taylor-alex-morss-winter-sleep/

For more information you can visit their website, or check them out on social media at @storysmithbooks or visit them in store Monday - Saturday 10-6, or Sunday 11-4.

Face of the High Street: Lindsay & Joel- Toyville

Lindsay is from Trinidad, Joel is Welsh and they met working together in London, moved to Bristol eight years ago and opened Toyville on North Street in 2016. It’s that kind of journey that’s so common amongst the business owners in Bedminster, a mix of backgrounds and experiences that shape this amazing community of traders.

When Lindsay and Joel moved to Bristol, they chose Bedminster through a recommendation from a friend and haven’t looked back. The two have seen the area evolve and developed strong loyalties with the area’s traders. Lindsay’s Bedminster favourite would have to be Clarks Pies, while Joel very proudly pointed to his Friendly Records t-shirt when asked the same question. For them, it was very clear that when the time came for the duo to open their new shop, there was no other option than the place they already called home.

The idea for Toyville came from an observation that South Bristol was missing a good quality toy store. The products that line the shelves have a certain timelessness to them, as if you know when you buy one that it will be cherished and passed down between siblings or even generations. The couple’s six-year-old son makes sure that new additions to the offering are thoroughly tested before hitting the shelves, so rest assured they’re 100% kid-approved.

Although the front windows are lined with toys, crafts and games for children, Toyville also carries a huge selection of board games for the big kids of the world, too. Carrying the tried and true classics and some of the more obscure, Lindsay and Joel are on hand to help guide anyone in their quest for the perfect board game.

Lindsay and Joel say that the best thing about doing business in Bedminster is being part of such an amazing community. Their customers have become friends and they appreciate the support they’ve received in the last three years.

With business booming, they recently decided to relocate to a bigger space, across the road at 9 North Street. Be sure to visit them as Toyville is open Monday-Saturday 10.00am-6.00pm and Sunday 12.00pm-4.00pm or you can shop online at www.toyvilleshop.co.uk. They’ll also be staying open late for North Street Nights on Thursday in December.

FACE OF THE HIGH STREET: UPFEST - Steve Hayles

Some of you may have already met Steve Hayles, but if you’re not familiar with Steve you’ll certainly be familiar with Upfest!

Steve, along with his wife Emma, are the duo behind Upfest, Europe’s largest Street Art Festival who’s home is right here on North Street.

The Upfest gallery can be found bang in the middle of North Street and has been a haven for independence and creativity south of the river since 2010.  Step into the gallery and your taken into a world of creativity, colour, prints, paints and so much more.

Steve first came to Bristol more than 20 years ago and in that time a lot has changed, particularly here in BS3. Upfest has played a huge part in the growth of the area, bringing in visitors not only from other parts of the city but other parts of the country and indeed the world.

The event showcases hundreds of local, national and international artists, as does the gallery and with the exciting recent announcement of Upfest’s return in 2020, the New Year already looks set to a brighter and more colourful.

An interesting little fact which you may not know, Upfest has not always been a BS3 mainstay. Steve and Emma’s first gallery was over in St Pauls, but as the festival grew, so did the need for a constant presence on North Street.

From humble beginnings as a ‘paint jam’ in the car park of the Tobacco Factory with a group of no more than 10 people, Upfest has grown to become something of a cultural benchmark in the arts world… and we’re proud to have it on our doorstep.

You can head on down to the Upfest gallery, which is at 198 North Street or check them out on social media at @Upfest & the festival returns to our streets from 30 May  - 1 June 2020

https://www.upfest.co.uk/

Face of the High Street : Albatross Cafe - Imogen Schafer and Louie Sandy

The Albatross Cafe has quickly become one of North Streets most relaxed, laid back and aesthetically pleasing spots in the community, all thanks to owners Imogen and Louie. 

The story of the Albatross Cafe began when the pair were travelling through New Zealand and found themselves dreaming up their cosy Bedminster cafe.

Imogen explains that whilst she sat back relaxing on a boat one evening admiring the albatross flying above against the sunset colours, the idea of the Albatross Cafe was born and this original image has influenced all aspects of the cafe we know and love, from the colour schemes to the logo to the name.  

Following their stint travelling, the pair relocated to Berlin for 5 years and immersed themselves in the community, getting a taste for the Berlin lifestyle. They soon realised that the cafe-bar culture that thrived in Berlin, was something they wanted to explore back in the UK. This inspired their late night opening hours and mixed menu of coffee and cocktails. 

Deciding that Bedminster was where they wanted to be, the pair went out in search of the perfect location, making their way up North Street knocking on the doors of empty spaces until they got an answer. The space had previously been empty and boarded up for 25 years, so the injection of life into 60 North Street was a welcome addition to the street. 

With most of the furniture being sourced from independent vintage shops in Berlin, the couple wanted to create a laid back, relaxed and friendly atmosphere where customers could come and feel at home.

Each aspect of the cafe has been careful thought through, with personal touches added throughout. The distinctive pottery was designed in collaboration with and made by Imogen’s mum and the distinctive greenery throughout are representative of their personal love for plants. 

The pair explains that they love the feel in Bedminster and regularly see the same faces pass through which only adds to the sense of community in the area. Having been there for 2 ½ years, Imogen and Louie have seen the development of that end of North Street and explain how nice it is to see growth in the street. 

They like to keep in local and  purchase most of their produce locally from other North Street favourites such as Hugo’s, Zara’s Chocolates and Marks Bread. As well as running a cafe-bar, Albatross Cafe also regularly hosts events, including the Talk Wordy To Me events and Crafts + Cocktails, that can be booked through Lets Make Art. 

You can visit the Albatross Cafe at 60 North Street, Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 4:30pm, Friday and Saturday 10am - 10pm and Sunday 10-4pm or check them out on Instagram and Facebook at @albatrosscafebristol.

CHRISTMAS COMES TO BEDMINSTER!

This festive season, North Street, East Street and West Street will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a huge array of events, workshops and visual installations for the community to enjoy. 

As the evenings get darker, Christmas lights will illuminate the streets and Upfest will be adding a twist on christmas with some festive additions to the local shop fronts, spreading cheer around the clock. With the return of North Street Nights - visitors get the chance to shop late into the evening on the 5, 12 and 19 December with the annual favourite that allows you to extend your shopping into the evening and get all those christmas essentials. 

A jam packed calendar of Christmas workshops and events for both adults and children will be taking place throughout the month. Including Wreath Making Workshops at Creative Space on the 1, 8 or 15 December, a Street Photography Workshop with local legend Colin Moody on 5 December and Glass Fusing workshops at Glass Designs on 3 and 4 December.

Over on West Street with the Bedminster Citadel Salvation Army Band will be spreading their Christmas cheer with Mezzaluna offering mulled wine and mince pies for all to enjoy. 

Nothing says Christmas in Bedminster like a silent disco and this addition to the Bedminster calendar will keep you warm in these winter months as you dance the night away in the Tobacco Factory garden on Saturday 7 and 21 December from 20:00 until late! 

It wouldn’t be a BS3 Christmas without Santa’s letterbox and they will return to the streets of Bedminster on 23 November so children have the chance to post their letters to the North Pole. The deadline for letters is 16 December so there is plenty of time to get them in.

31 North Street will become a creative festive hub with a letter writing workshop on the 7 December and then Santa himself will transform the space into a Grotto on the 14 December!

Santa said “It would be very helpful for the children to get their letters to me as early as possible. Christmas is a very busy time as the elves and I are busy making presents!”

Once Santa has flown back to the North Pole to get ready for the big day, his elves will set up their Elf Post Office at 31 North Street on Saturday 21 December so the little ones can come and pick up their replies.

These are just a selection of the activities on offer within the community, the full list can be found in the Christmas Gift Guide, available at the end of November.

For news on all Bedminster Xmas events follow @BedminsterBID on Instagram and Twitter or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bedminsterbristol.bs3

FACE OF THE HIGH STREET : Natalie Johnson and Charlie Taylor - KASK

Imagine the sun-setting in the glorious town of San Sebastian, as you laugh with friends and sip on delicious wine in the kind of bar you go to for one and spend the whole evening without even realising.  

This is exactly what owners of KASK, Natalie and Charlie dreamt of four years ago when the concept of KASK was born in the small Spanish town with their best friends and now co-owners, Sophie and Henry. Together, the four of them began planning how they could recreate this ambiance in their home country.  

Charlie grew up in Cirencester and Natalie grew up in Doncaster, but they met when working in Dubai 5 years ago. Both having worked in hospitality, hotels and the food and beverage industry, Charlie explains that from the age of 20 he has always dreamt of owning his own bar and it has always been the “long term dream”. 

With family in Bristol, the pair knew that when the Bedminster location became available, the time was absolutely right to embark on this adventure. They talk about how people and traders on the street have been supportive, friendly and the perfect community. 

KASK focuses on minimal intervention wines, which essentially means that the wine has had as little intervention as possible in the entire winemaking process - from the growing of the grapes to the winemaking itself. The bar offers a constantly changing selection of these wines from small producers and vineyards, and all the wines are also vegan. 

The venue also offers private hire on Monday and Tuesdays, offering the perfect space for your Christmas party or private events. 

If you want to sit back and relax with a glass of wine and some delicious cheese, you can visit KASK at 51 North Street on Wednesday and Thursday 17:00-22:30, Friday and Saturday 13:00 - 23:30 and Sunday 13:00-21:00. 

 Check out their social media channels to keep up to date with events and information at @KASKwine

FACE OF THE HIGH STREET: Sophie Fox - FLIP Cafe and Deli

Face of the High Street - Sophie Fox: FLIP Deli and Cafe 

FLIP Deli and Cafe is one of North Streets newest additions, having been open now for 2 months and the face behind the place is Sophie Fox.

Flip is a Vegan Deli and Cafe based at the heart of our independent high street serving local produce from independent and local suppliers. Always on the lookout for local, good quality, artisan suppliers is Sophie. Having moved to Bristol to study over 30 years ago, Sophie fell in love with the city and decided that this was the place she wanted to be. 

Having established her own cookery school in 2006, Sophie pursued her passion of teaching combined with her love of food and quickly took over local establishment, the Create Centre Cafe to grow her business and workspace. 

Living locally to North Street, when the space became available, Sophie decided to open, FLIP in one of her favourite Bristol spots, Bedminster. Sophie loves the community feel and independence, so it only felt right for her to add something to the street. She is enjoying meeting new members of the community and getting to know her regulars. 

Not only do they serve delicious breakfasts, coffees and cakes, but once a month, they hold events, such as the recently sold-out, wine and cheese tasting. To book their latest ‘Canape Workshop’ in November, you can head to wriggle now!

They have a policy on low packaging that is reflected in their use of recyclable packaging, and customers are encouraged to bring their own containers or use the compostable containers available.

Visit them at 81 North St or check them out on social: @FLIPfoodBristol

Face of the High Street: Adam from Corks of North Street

It’s been about five years since Corks of North Street popped up in Bedminster and Adam has been chatting beer, wine and spirits with us all ever since.

Selling the best craft beers, wine from all over the world and spirits that will make you question why your usual was ever your usual in the first place, Corks gives the passion and craftsmanship of their products centre stage and the result is a solid and wonderful Bristol business.

Adam started working for Corks at their original location on Cotham Hill twelve years ago and when owners Dominic and Rachel caught sight of a building on North Street, he jumped at the opportunity.

A long-time Bedminster resident, Adam understood what doing business in Bedminster was going to mean for the team. They would be part of a community, one where residents and traders really championed the area, always ready to put in 100% to make it a brilliant place to be. He saw how a store like Corks would fit into the rapidly growing area perfectly and he was excited to be added into the mix.

Fast-forward to 2019 and Corks of North Street has solidified itself as the go to for new and interesting beverages, no matter what your budget is. Not to mention, a sure-fire stop for good conversation and to learn a thing or two while you’re stocking up for the weekend or any special occasion.

Adam and Dominic are proud of the community of traders they belong to and feel as if Bedminster has something truly special going between business owners, all cheering loud for each other’s success and supporting wherever they can. We honestly couldn’t agree more.  

And finally, there are the customers. A wide range of wine-loving, beer-drinking, interested-in-something-different characters frequent the shop on a regular basis and make Adam and Dominic’s jobs so much easier.

Adam is always there to find you the best item and connect you to the story behind the bottle, stop in and visit at 79 North Street, Tuesday-Saturday 11 am-9 pm or on www.corksofbristol.com.

FACE OF THE HIGH STREET: Helen Owen - CASPER

Winston the beagle is curled up and fast asleep under Helen’s feet as we sit down for a chat. The popular pup has become a well known face on the street along with owner Helen Owen.

Two years since opening, Casper has become a thriving, vibrant addition to North Street, supporting independent and emerging artists and designers. Helen was able to combine her passion and skills for business and art, to establish her spot on the street by opening the combined retail and gallery space. 

Helen moved to Bristol and worked at The Prince's Trust and managed smaller charities and Social Enterprises supporting young people to start their own businesses. Working in this field, Helen was able to develop the skills required to take on the task to start her own.

With an illustrator husband, she quickly realised the business and arts partnership could thrive and she successfully managed the less creative side of the arts world for him. Word spread that she was doing a brilliant job and quickly, Helen was travelling to markets and fairs, offering a platform for creatives to sell through. 

In October 2017, having moved to the BS3 area, she decided to open her first shop and was quickly embraced as part of the Bedminster community. Helen explains that it really is a community with everyone working together and supporting one another. 

Casper showcases independent artists, with 90% being Bristol based, Helen aims to offer a platform for individuals to showcase their work and has successfully built relationships with a number of local artists.This includes a pop-up shop in the back, which is currently occupied by vibrant vintage store, Something Elsie. 

Helen is currently in the process of expanding her gorgeous business with the addition of an online shop so customers can browse from the comfort of their home. 

You can visit Casper and say hello to Winston at 221 North St, Bristol BS3 1JJ, or follow them on their social media channels.

Instagram: Casper_Bristol

Twitter: @casperbristol

Storytale Festival 2019

Storytale is an exciting new book festival founded by Southville residents, Ellie Freeman and author Kate Frost. Taking place in various venues around the city it is a week-long festival celebrating the wonderful world of children’s books. Accessible and affordable, there’ll be something for everyone from interactive and sensory storytelling for tots, to inspiring talks and workshops for teens.

Chapter 1 of the Storytale Festival begins on Saturday 26th October 2019, with prequel events leading up to it. Go on adventures with our storytellers as they bring words and pictures to life, and journey through the pages with Bristol’s talented children’s book authors and illustrators as they give you exclusive access to the tales behind their books.

Storytale Festival runs over October half term from 26/10/19 – 03/11/19. The full programme of events and more information can be found at www.storytalefestival.com.

Face of the High Street: Rob Rosewarne - Dear Old Thing

Dear Old Thing is a hidden gem on West Street, with six rooms filled with trinkets and antique furniture, owned and operated by Rob Rosewarne. 

Twenty years ago Rob left behind the world of electronic security and decided to pursue a career in antiques. Specialising in Chinese antiques for years, Rob has travelled to China over 50 times, sourcing and importing furniture to sell, before moving on to specialise in UK furniture in the last seven years. 

Rob opened his first shop on West Street five years ago following a weekly trip to Mezzaluna for his Sunday dinner. He noticed that the shop opposite was vacant and available to rent and this was the start of Dear Old Thing, as we know and love today. 

Having always lived locally, Rob loves Bedminster for the colourfulness, convenience and friendly atmosphere that surrounds the area. He talks about the regular customers that he has grown to know and recounts the funny stories with a smile on his face. 

With something different in the shop everyday, there are so many stories to accompany each individual piece and about the creative team he works alongside, including the projects that see the transformation of a drum kit into clock faces. 

Having pursued his passion in the form of antique furniture, Rob talks about how enjoys the interactive side of customer service and enjoys meeting a wide array of people from the community. 

You can visit Dear Old Thing at 107 West Street, Monday - Saturday between 10am - 5:30pm or Sunday 10am - 4pm or visit their website: http://www.dearoldthing.co.uk/.

Follow them on twitter, instagram and facebook at: @dearoldthing 

FACE OF THE HIGH STREET: Farah Merali - Farahway Cafe

Meet our new Face of the High Street - Farah Merali of the Farahway Cafe! 

This vibrant yet elegant addition to the street has filled a spot once occupied by Madras Express and owner Farah is responsible for the transformation that has seen 223 North Street go from curry house to cafe. It’s all in the details as you sit down for a cup of coffee amidst the embroidered flower installation and patchwork designed walls. 

Farah moved from Sheffield to Bristol for university and fell in love with the city immediately. After a few years working for a pension company, Farah decided it was time to combine her passion for arts and community and create the perfect “hub of creativity”.

With her mum owning an arts and crafts shop, and running workshops throughout her childhood, Farah felt that it was the right time to retire from the world of pensions, and put her own spin on the art trade to develop a creative, interactive space that doubled up as a cafe. 

Farah has lived in the Bedminster area for the last 5 years and has seen as the street has gradually transformed into a space with more creative influence. With the addition of popular businesses such as Trylla and local favourite, UPFEST, she felt that it was the right time to introduce something new. 

Farah talks about how familiar she was with local businesses prior to opening and has been quickly accepted into the community with support from other traders and advice from the streets alumni. She highlights the sense of community that she has felt since joining the street and the friendly faces that have popped by to say hello! 

The space will be occupied 2 - 3 times a week by independent creatives who can hire the space to run workshops and the first installation of workshops are set to start on Tuesday 1st October! You can book onto them by speaking to a member of the team or via eventbrite. 

Visit Farah and her team at 223 North Street, between 08:30-16:30, where you can sit back and relax with a cup of coffee and browse the range of projects and workshops on offer to keep your creative mind alight. 

Instagram: @farahwayartsandcraftscafe 

Surplus Supper Club @ Elephant House

FareShare and Bosh Supper Club have joined forces for a one-off Surplus Supper Club supporting FareShare and #ActiveAteBristol. Chef Juliet will be cooking up a curry storm using fresh ingredients that would have otherwise gone to waste, and boy is it gonna be a tasty one!

FareShare have been working to tackle child hunger all summer long by getting food out for over 70,000 meals for children's holiday projects. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to their #ActiveAteBristol appeal to help them do even more next year. 

Join them for a spectacular evening of food, live music, fundraising and community feasting- it's BYOB and feel free to bring all your mates!

Tickets are just £15 and you get get them right here: https://www.getawriggleon.com/o/bristol-fareshare-x-bosh-supper-club-surplus-supper-club-for-charity

ABOUT FARESHARE X BOSH SUPPER CLUB

FareShare South West joins up the dots between two big issues: hunger and food waste. They take hundreds of tonnes of surplus food into their Bristol warehouse each year and (with the help of volunteers) redistribute it out to charities, schools and community groups right across the South West. They’ve teamed up with Juliet, host and chef at Bosh Supper Club for a Surplus Supper Club, in which will be all cooked up thanks to FareShare’s surplus food. For Juliet, it's all about cooking food that brings a smile to people's faces. It's also BYOB - so a top-quality opportunity to enjoy restaurant-quality cuisine and a few drinks at an unbeatable price.

HOW TO CLAIM

Once you've bagged your Wriggle, head down to Bosh at the Elephant House for 7pm. When you arrive just tell Juliet that Wriggle sent you, show her the code and indulge in your delicious meal!

Head2Toe: She and Hem Takeover!

We were recently invited by Bedminster BID to come and spend some quality shopping time in good ol’ Bemmie as part of their #Head2Toe challenge, which celebrates all things thrifty. As a couple of potential future Bargain Hunt contestants, we are always very happy to rummage for hidden treasures which is fortunate as Bedminster is a haven of quirky second hand shops, cool vintage shops, and of course, your humble charity shops. We jumped at the chance to spend some time in an area of Bristol that we don’t often get to explore, especially when set the challenge of pulling together an outfit each.

We waved farewell to our toddlers at Windmill City Farm (we didn’t leave them to their own devices, the Dads were there too) and set off with our money bags to North St, West St and East St.

As vintage lovers, we headed straight to two favourites on North St, Rhubard Jumble and Patina Vintage (conveniently they are pretty much opposite each other). They are both such lovely shops and we spent a very long time admiring their wares and trying on all sorts of wonderful things. We even spotted some Able Mabel headbands in Rhubarb Jumble, a place where we both found success! Victoria left with with an exceptionally jazzy animal print shirt, whereas I found the perfect pink jumpsuit!

We then hit A LOT of charity shops which was excellent fun. We naturally got sidetracked by all the fun toys and books for the girls but we also had a lot of success in the clothes department too. We both hit the jackpot in St Peter’s Hospice where Victoria found the perfect pair of M&S trousers, to go with her funky shirt, for the princely sum of £5.99! I (Jo) was on a complete roll and managed to bag an entire second outfit for £5.98. The poppy print dress and red belt go perfectly together and yes I am aware how smug I look about it! I must say, as a pregnant lady, I find charity & vintage shopping especially rewarding. It’s really hard when most of your wardrobe doesn’t fit anymore but nobody wants to spend a fortune on clothes that they might not want to wear post baby!

So, what do you think? Did we do well with our outfits?

J&Vx

FACE OF THE HIGH STREET: Claire Dadswell - Glass Designs

Glass Designs was established on North Street 16 years ago and true to the name Claire Dadswell is creating 20 custom stained glass mirrors ready to as we walk in.

Having always had a creative streak, Claire moved from London to Bristol and immediately began working and training at a glass shop in the city centre. Falling in love with the precision and skill, it only made sense for her to purchase ‘Glass Designs’ when the opportunity arose eight years ago.

 Bedminster has been Claire’s home for many years and having the chance to combine her passion for stained glass and work within the heart of the community made perfect sense.

Before purchasing Glass Designs, she based herself locally in two studios on North Street so the area has always felt like home to her and the sense of community on the street continues to make it an enjoyable place to work.

Glass Designs also works with a number of local artists who fill the shop with lots of unique pieces. Claire explains that since taking over the shop 8 years ago, she has been able to expand the capacity for other independent artists to get involved and enjoys being able to work alongside other members of the community.

Claire studied Fine Art Painting at UCA Farnham so has always had a creative side and loves nothing more than being able to “design, colour and create”.

Having always been very involved in the area, she talks about how the community has a really lovely vibe and everyone on the street is really helpful.  Claire is one of the area’s biggest team players and continues to feel like she can be connected to all areas of Bedminster through the ongoing community effort.

Glass Designs can be found at 261 North Street and is open all week between 10-6, apart from Sunday when they’re open 11-3. You can find more information here: http://www.dadswellglass.co.uk/

Face of the High Street: Charles Herbert - The Chiropractic Centre

Charles Herbert loves a party, so it only made sense that when he and his partner Matthew opened the second Bristol location of their chiropractic practice on North Street that it would feel like a party from the minute you walked in. From a very friendly welcome, to the open layout of the treatment room, TCC Southville is changing the game in Bristol and stepping away from the clinical and making caring for your spine a little bit more fun. 

The Chiropractic Centre opened above Hobbs House Bakery in January of this year and Charles has been running this location and falling in love with Bedminster ever since. What brought him to Bedminster was opportunity on the south of the river, but what will keep him here for many more years is the feel of Bedminster and the people that make it so special.

Charles speaks about the way the business was received before they had even opened their doors and were popping up at the Tobacco Factory Sunday Market. Now, 7 months on they say how wonderful it's been to fit into this community. Charles' Bedminster favourites at the minute would have to be Souk Kitchen and Birch but he is slowly eating his way around the neighbourhood and is always interested in trying new places!

Charles grew up in the Bristol area with his family being very involved in the Bristol business community. He has seen the city grow and evolve over the years and it had always been a dream of his to do business here one day. After Uni in South Wales, chiropractic school and the beginnings of his career in Essex, Charles returned to Bristol in 2012 to set up the first Chiropractic Centre in Bristol, up in Clifton. Now in Bedminster, the team is only growing. The Southville branch has two incredible chiropractors, a massage therapist and Judy, the office manager that makes the whole place work in perfect harmony. 

Charles believes in optimising your body and that chiropractic, like an oil change on your car, is something that is essential to keeping your body running smoothly and free from pain. Stop by and see the team and you're sure to be blown away by the service, smiles and party atmosphere! 

TCC Southville is open Mon/Wed/Fri 8am-1pm, 3pm-7pm, above Hobbs House Bakery at 217b North Street

Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade: Winter is coming - again - but it needs your help!

It may be summer now, but the group behind the Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade is already preparing for winter! Organisers say however, the three month project can only go ahead if sufficient funds are raised by the end of July.

This year they’ve set up a brand new Community Lanterns Fund and you can donate by Paypal. Every £1 contributed counts…from tea parties, cake sales, sponsored runs…Details are on the bwlp website; www.bwlp.org.uk.

Volunteers from the group will also be visiting local businesses along the Parade route for donations and sponsorship. Already Andrews Estate Agents, solicitors Barcan Kirby and Mark’s Bread, have pledged their support, as well as the Bedminster Business Improvement District.

BWL Chair, Malcolm Brammer, says “our message is clear, BS3 its down to you. If you want another spectacular community event this winter, please make it happen by making a donation to our online bucket before the end of July.”

Organisers are hoping to start the project in local schools and community centres this autumn with a Parade date still to be finalised.

Face of the high street: Darren - Compuwave Computers

Having run a business in Bedminster for the last 15 years, Darren from Compuwave Computers knows something about the community that we have all grown to love.

Opening his first stop on Raleigh Road 15 years ago, Compuwave has occupied some of our favourite North Street spots throughout the years, and they are now firmly settled in the heart of the street.  

Darren moved to Bedminster 20 years ago and immediately had the desire to leave his job at IBM to work at pursuing his dream of owning his own business. Compuwave started out as a small back-room home business, but Darren soon invested in his first shop on Raleigh Road, before he chose to relocate to North Street and join the ever-growing group of independent shops that he saw to be thriving.

Compuwave is a computer sales and repairs shop that is filled with bundles of gadgets, screens and a couple of tech-loving employees.  From the moment you enter, expect to be greeted with friendly sarcasm and a playful pair. They continue to build solid relationships with their new and returning customers and laugh about their ‘celebrity’ customers that come in from time to time. Continually praising the sense of community that keeps the street successful and a place they can call ‘home’, Darren has watched as both his business and North Street have flourished into a hub of life, community and activity.

Originally from Exeter, Darren fell in love with Bristol because of the pace of life, variety and diversity and chose to stay once he and his children became firmly settled in what he describes as ‘the Bristol life’. It was the perfect place to build a business, surrounded by traders on the street that have now become close friends.

In 2018, Compuwave was voted in the ‘Top 3 Computer shops in Bristol’ – something they are extremely proud of achieving, having started as a small back-room business.  His shop has grown into something Darren, his family and his friends are all extremely proud of and he hopes to continue to provide his service to the community for many more years to come.

Return of East Street Summer Fayre

On Saturday 13th July, between 10am – 5pm, East Street will host a wide array of fun food and entertainment for all the family, as the East Street Summer Fayre returns for a fun day celebrating everything that Bedminster has to offer.

The East Street Summer Fayre will feature a selection of local food and drink traders serving up some of the tastiest snacks and refreshing drinks to keep you going throughout the day. Expect to see food stalls from Stan Butt Butchers, Bubble Play Café, Viva La Mexicana and many more. Whilst, local pub, The Assembly will be setting up a mini bar.

Lots of local businesses are set to get involved, including, St Peter’s Hospice who will be out in force celebrating their birthday, giving visitors the chance to grab a slice of cake from their stall.

Other additions include Pets Palace, who will be selling all their wonderful handmade products, and local favourite, Trylla will be setting up for a day of community fun with a lucky dip and all your in store favourites.

There will be plenty to keep the children busy, with a bouncy castle, didi car racetrack and face painting, visitors can sit back, relax and enjoy the perfect family day-out atmosphere.

With food stalls and entertainment announcements still to be made, the line-up is ever-growing and shaping up to be the perfect family day out.

If you are interested in getting involved then get in touch with Olivia from Bubble Play Café on 07983458663