11 ways to tell if you’re a Bristol hipster

Camden Shmanden, Brooklyn Shmooklyn – everybody knows that Bristol is the true home of all things hipster. We were rocking beards way before it was cool, and had geometric tattoos long before they made it to tumblr. But in these days where plaid shirts are stocked by the dozen in Primark and everyone and their mother wears Raybans, it can be difficult to tell – who among us is a true Bristol hipster? Cause after all, we’re a pretty unique breed. None of your craft cocktails here for us true Bristolians, no-sir-ee.

Reckon you’re an authentic Bristol hipster? Or do you suspect you might seem like one and that’s why your parents are frightened of you now? Read on to find out…

1. BIKE RIDING

Bike riding isn’t a way of getting around – it’s a way of life. You don’t fear the hills of Clifton or the pedestrians of North Street, they just make the journey more fun! You can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday than aboard your fixie bike, heading to Roll for the Soul for some vegan falafel.

2. ALTERNATIVE LAUNDRY
Who even owns a washing machine these days, man? Any true Bristol hipster would never own something so damaging for the environment. You get the your laundry done at At The Well on Cheltenham Road, where you can see and be seen as one of the coolest kids in the Croft. And if you grab some amazing American pancakes at the same time then, well, that’s just a bonus.

3. QUIRKY DIET
No true hipster diet is legit without at least some parameters. You might be in the ‘exclusively BBQ’d meat’ hipster bracket or the ‘won’t-eat-anything-with-a-shadow’ bracket – they’re both okay. What counts is that you take your diet seriously and you’re serious about it. You probably frequent Café Kino on the reg, a vegan non-profit cafe that’s – conveniently enough – right opposite At The Well.

4. TONI & GUY? TONI & GOODBYE

If you cut your hair at all – and the jury’s still out on that one – you definitely don’t do it anywhere mainstream. You get your mop trimmed, styled and generally coiffed at either Shambarber in Stokes Croft or Mack Daddy’s on Gloucester Road/North Street. If you’re not sure if you’re an undercut gal or a shaggy fringe dude, these clever guys and girls will sort you right out.

5. TOPSHOP? TOP-NOT
You’ve heard of Cabot Circus, but you’ve certainly never been (okay – maybe you popped by once for Five Guys, but that was it). When you’re in need of new threads, your first port of call is bound to be some of the cracking charity shops that Bristol has to offer. And, if you’ve been in the game for a while, you know it’s the Clifton charity shops where the real gems are to be found. But, should you ever decide to venture outside of Oxfam, your clothes shopping is exclusively independent. Gloucester Road and North Street are absolutely where it’s at.

6. GETTIN’ YOUR READ ON

Do you even read, bro? No true Bristolian hipster would be caught dead without a battered copy of Joyce or Kerouac inside their vintage satchel. You’ve probably found some great vintage Penguins in Oxfam Bookshop (when you’re doing one of your charity shop fashion hauls), and you’re definitely no stranger to the book stalls at the weekend Harbourside markets. Your favourite bookshop by far however is Bloom & Curll on Colston Street, where you’ll happily while away the hours trawling shelf after shelf of Camus, Kafka and the gang. And then you’ll tweet about it afterwards, obvs.

7. COFFEE, COFFEE AND A BIT MORE COFFEE
The very mention of the word ‘Costa’ sends shivers down your spine. Seriously, with so many amazing coffee shops in Bristol, why would you do that to yourself?! You’re spoiled for choice in the city, but your favourite place by far has to be Small Street Espresso. You use its exposed-brick-wooden-floorboards décor as your ultimate interior design #goals, and you’ll wax lyrical to any barista who’ll listen about the various qualities of the artisan blends. Small Street Espresso is the original and the best – just like you, eh?

8. LIVE MUSIC

You’re one of the few people who didn’t join in the city-wide celebrations when news of a big Bristol arena was finally announced – cause like, it’s just not the same, you know? For you it’s all about intimate shows in independent venues. You’re not averse to a Thekla gig, but there’s nothing better than a show at the Louisiana. We’ll see you there for Benjamin Francis Leftwich, right?

9. GOING OUT-OUT
No self-respecting hipster would want to be seen in The Lizard Lounge – unless it was ironically, of course. You’re all about Bristol’s amazing house scene (and will defend it to your London mates to the death), so for you there’s nothing better than a night out at Lakota or Motion. And if you can’t remember your own name when you get back home at 4am in the morning, then that just means you’ve really done it right.

10. POLITICAL PROTESTS
You’ve some serious political #feelz, and you ain’t afraid to share them. Whether you’re desperately stalking Corbyn during one of his surprise trips to Easton, or fiercely debating the merits of socialism over Flour & Ash pizza, Bristol has always been a politicised city and you’re very proud of that fact. Your level of political engagement might vary from instagramming Bear Pit graffiti to actually getting involved in protests – but either way, you care. And you love living in a place that cares as much as you.

11. BRISTOL PRIDE

Ultimately, the thing that sets Bristolian hipsters apart from the rest is how much they love where they live. You’d never set sail for the trendy shores of Liverpool or London, because why would you? With a vibrant pioneering art scene, amazing live music venues, fantastic food of all kinds and more craft cider than you could ever possibly drink, Bristol is your hipster homeland. It’s gert lush, guys – and we’re not even saying that ironically.

This article was originally published on www.Spirini.com. Spirini is a new way to shop, bringing the high street back using genies to connect businesses and consumers in a whole new way. Spirini’s worldwide launch, showcasing the best of Bristol’s independent high streets, is this summer. Businesses can sign-up now at www.spirini.com

Read more: 16 Bristol icons that aren’t very iconic