We are big fans of the city of Bristol here at 91 and have in fact featured many of it’s trendiest hangouts here on the blog and in the magazine. We thought it was about time we did a round up of our top spots for shopping, eating and shooting for Instagram! We sent photographer Jemma Watts up to experience the many beauties that Bristol has to offer.
Papersmiths – Situated on Boyce’s Avenue in trendy Clifton Village, Papersmiths is a magazine and stationery shop stocking numerous independent titles, including 91 Magazine (hurrah!). The bright and airy space is a stationery obsessive’s dream, with shelves displaying an array of unusual, colour-coordinated paper goods and desk accessories – look out for their fab oversized staplers! The aesthetic of the interior is artfully curated, yet fun and colourful. It’s hard to leave without a bag full of pretty pens and paper goodies! (Read our interview with owner Sidoine here.)
IG: @paper_smiths
Two Palms – Right above Papersmiths, you’ll find Two Palms. Owned by Papersmith’s founder Sidonie Warren, Two Palms was initially a pop-up, but is now a permanent homewares store selling ceramics, textiles, jewellery, crystals and candles. The ambiance of the store is a total contrast to Papersmiths downstairs; the interior and product offering is calming, muted and more bohemian and equally as covetable.
IG: @two.palms
Anna Cake Couture – Head across the street to Anna Cake Couture where their bright interior and industrial touches will have you snapping away. And that’s before you’ve even laid eyes on their delicious delights! Primarily this is the go-to shop for wedding cakes, having won awards for their contemporary designs, but they will just as happily serve you up some delicate macarons or indulgent pastries, baked freshly on site every day. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a baker, you can also pop along to one of their cake decorating courses.
IG: @annacakecouture
East Village Café – This newly-opened café is just a few doors down from Papersmiths and Anna Cake Couture on Boyce’s Avenue. Indoor plants and colourful artwork contrast against the light interior, which along with super high ceilings, offers an airy and relaxed spot to stop off for a quick coffee or a leisurely lunch. All their food is 100% vegetarian, with vegan and gluten free options available too.
Mockingbird Café – The area of Clifton extends beyond the cool Clifton Village area, and about a 20 minute walk from Boyce’s Avenue, you will find Mockingbird Café on Alma Vale Road. This cute little eatery is tucked away on a sleepy street amongst a small selection of shops and is a quiet spot for working or to enjoy a peaceful coffee with friends. The décor is minimal yet eclectic, with potted plants scattered throughout.
Pinkmans – Park Street is one of Bristol’s most iconic shopping streets, and it is here that you will find this bustling café. As you enter, you are greeted by a long, copper-fronted food counter, displaying a huge range of breads, cakes, sandwiches and biscuits. You also can’t miss the neon pink ‘P’ sign on your right as you enter, surrounded by a growing wall of plants. Their menu covers all your daily meals – as well as snacks – offering breakfast, coffee, salads, sandwiches, through to afternoon tea, pizza, tagines, cocktails and wine. What more could you ask for?
IG: @pinkmansbakery
The Florist – As stated on their website, ‘The Florist believes in the fundamental principles of floristry, to charm each of the senses’, which it certainly does. This bar and restaurant is Park Street’s newest foodie establishment, opening just two months ago, and it is sure to become a favourite Instagrammer’s destination. Greeted by an abundance of flowers, your tastebuds are then satisfied by delicious food and creative cocktails, which are inspired by three key floristry styles: English Summer Garden, Ikebana (Japanese art of flower arranging) and Modern. While savouring the food, drinks and atmosphere, you are also treated to their daily soundtrack, produced by their musicians and DJ’s. This really is a sensory experience!
IG: @thefloristuk
Dig Haushizzle – This decorative antique and interior shop is ideally situated on Colston Street, in the independent creative area of the Christmas Steps Arts Quarter. The owners of this wonderfully eccentric homeware shop, Cass and Ed, describe their style as ‘Victorian, Gothic but Bohemian’. It is a treasure trove of unusual items for your home, including some taxidermy, with pieces sourced from around the UK where possible.
IG: @dighaushizzle
Osmology – Originally this business started out as a men’s personal care shop, but the candles sold so well that it’s owner decided to focus solely on scented candles and home fragrances. Located on the Christmas Steps, a quaint small street of independent shops (on a long flight of steps!), you can discover new or established brands from around the world, including Skandinavisk, The Nomad Society, Laboratory Perfumes and Earl of East London. The store is beautifully laid out in a monochrome scheme, with dashes of colour provided by plants and a bright neon sign, asking you to treat yourself – and so you should.
IG: @osmologyco
Mon Pote – Mon Pote is a lifestyle store found in the quieter district of Bedminster, on the south side of the River Avon. This area feels like it moves at a slower pace than the other districts of the city, with North Street being the main street to visit. Here, small cafes and independent shops are opening, bringing in an arty crowd. The store itself is stocked to the brim with home decor products and gifts, for both adults and kids, all carefully curated and beautifully displayed. (read our Shopkeeper Spotlight interview with owner Anna here)
IG: @monpotehome
Albatross Café – If you like to sip your morning coffee surrounded by succulents and hanging plants, then this is the place to be! Currently featured in the latest edition of 91 Magazine, Albatross Café, also on North Street, is unpretentious with an incredibly relaxed atmosphere. The coffee and cakes are locally supplied, and they also provide a small, seasonal menu. Find out more about this cute café when you buy the S/S 18 edition of 91 Magazine!
Words and Photography by Jemma Watts
