MY CITY: BRISTOL WITH JAMES MINCHALL
In the middle of pulling together editorial commissions and coming up with plans for an exhibition we asked freelance illustrator James Minchall to guide us through his adopted hometown of beautiful Bristol.
What would be your perfect day in Bristol?
Last week I had a brief but productive morning in the studio before heading through the woods over by the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Me and a pal then sat in The Albion drinking mulled cider til it was dark. That was a rad wintery day.
What’s the best music venue?
For an intimate alternative to somewhere more established like The Fleece, the downstairs room at Cafe Kino serves live music and visuals up close and personal. It’s also a great place to get your Club Maté fix.
The best hidden secret about Bristol?
The Hare on North Street has an easily missed beer garden. The Old Bookshop on the same road has a log burner stove outside that’s a winter favorite for obvious reasons. Also, the Bag O’Nails in Hotwells always has a motley crew of cats to welcome you in. If that’s not enough there’s also beer and Lego.
What is your favourite bar?
Small Bar on Kings St has a well curated and ever-rotating selection of beer and cider served in 2/3 glasses that helps you feel less gross about how many you’ve had by the time you (eventually) leave.
Best place for a late night drink?
The Canteen on Stokes Croft effortlessly evolves into a place where a sweaty, cider fueled Friday night boogie is well received. It’s open pretty late too so you’ll have time to finish up at Small bar.
Favourite coffee shop?
Bristol’s ever growing pop-up and independent scene seems to have an amazing array of exotic coffee beans and ways of brewing them. Roll For the Soul, Small St. Espresso and Playground Coffee House to name a few. I’m more of a tea guy though, so its probably best to venture into a few to try yourself!
Favourite culture shop?
Here Gallery on Stokes Croft has a plethora of Artist books, postcard and prints that you can repeatedly browse through to find which one you want, before putting them all on your Christmas list anyway.
Best takeaway?
Bagel Boy on St Nicholas Street. An unpretentious, independent cafe boasting a 40 bagel strong menu. Vibes in the day. Vibes in the evening.
What made you move to Bristol?
I first moved to Bristol for Uni quite a few years back now. Its an incredibly vibrant city that dabbles in so much culture, history and creative opportunity yet remains down to earth and accessible. Somewhere you can easily stumble across your new favorite brewery, eatery or local veg shop any day of the week. I like that.
Favourite neighbourhood?
Be it during the street festival or a weeknight in December, civilised tapas in the early evening or sampling the wares of the 24hr off-licence; the characters and stories that emerge from Stokes Croft are amazing. You couldn’t make them up.
