Frankie Wallington tells us the best bits about this leafy area of North Bristol...
OK, so I haven't strictly stuck to one area, but I live at the very top of Redland (practically on the Downs) and it’s a bit of an unknown area at times, unless you live here and then you know it’s awesome. So, I’m going a bit rogue for this local’s guide and covering Redland and sneaking onto the Henleaze patch too.
The Cambridge Arms
A Fullers pub and a pretty decent one. They have a good selection of wine and beer, the staff are friendly and so is the clientele. They also have a great outside space for summer months and the most puby thing of all, a pub quiz on a Sunday. Also, very family and dog friendly with free dog treats.
Image - The Cambridge Arms
The Orpheus
Just up the road in Henleaze, this is one of the oldest cinemas in Bristol; I remember coming here as a kid and loving it. For a time it hadn’t changed much, but it recently had an update and now it’s gone super '80s, which is great. The Orpheus is a bloody wonderful little cinema - shout out to the people of Henleaze for using it and keeping it going, you’re wonderful.
The Goats of the Gully
Ok, this is probably Clifton but it’s so close to me and I love it. Goats are amazing. Like, literally, amazing. One, they look cool. Two, they make great noises. Three, they know to only eat shrubs and not rare plants that grow on the vale. They are hard to see and they’re shy, but go past the viewing point of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and you may be lucky enough to see them.
Badock's Wood
Ok, so this is technically Westbury-on-Trym, but if you want a nice stroll in an interesting wood then this is the place for you. Winding paths, completely covered by canopy and a bumbling steam. This is my go to walk on a Sunday morning when I want to feel like I don’t live in a city.
Image - Badock's Wood. Credit: Bristol Walk Fest
Chandos Road
Is this the best street in Bristol for food? Probably, maybe only beaten by Cotham Hill Line up chaps, let us see what you’ve got…. Wilsons, Snobby's, Little Hollows, Picaro – you’ll be hard pushed to find better.
Image - Chandos Road Street Party
The Kensington Arms
A fantastic boozer and gastro pub. The food is the star here, but it’s also a great place to have a drink. It doesn’t feel pretentious but the quality of everything is top notch. Go here with your mates for drinks, or impress your family with a meal out. It’s also super dog friendly with dog biscuits behind the bar.
Image - The Kensington Arms