People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Ben Atterbury
Ben Atterbury is the newly appointed producer of Ferment, Bristol Old Vic’s artist development programme.
Twice a year, Ferment presents work-in-progress productions which next time around will be performed in the Old Vic’s new studio theatre – part of the new front of house redevelopment, which is due to open to the public at 8am on Monday, September 24.
Here are Ben’s top-five Bristol favourites:
is needed now More than ever
Harbourside pontoons
“I’m always reminded of how great Bristol is when I’m sitting right by the Floating Harbour with friends, probably enjoying something cold and fizzy, looking out on to the water but surrounded by the city. There is something comforting about how the Avon runs right through the middle of Bristol; I love that in the summer it draws everyone in to come sit by it and while away their days.”
The Volunteer Tavern
“The Volunteer Tavern in Old Market is tucked away behind Cabot Circus, so it’s really central but feels like a bit of a well-kept secret. Beers and staff are always lovely, their outside space is a great place to waste an evening in, and they do one of the best roasts in the city.”
Ashton Court Estate
“Bristol has some brilliant walks; it’s amazing to be in a city where you can easily wander to places that feel like they are in the middle of the countryside. I particularly like crossing the Suspension Bridge and escaping the noise of the city to take a walk around Ashton Court. Finish it off with a sit on top of the hill and take all of Bristol in.”
Hart’s Bakery
“I literally can’t go anywhere near Temple Meads without going to Hart’s Bakery and treating myself to something involving pastry and a coffee. It’s delicious. Just go if you haven’t already.”
Wild swimming
https://www.instagram.com/p/phVlbUOILQ/?utm_source=ig_embed
“Another summertime activity, and maybe not strictly the city of Bristol but there are tonnes of places – including Warleigh Weir, Saltford (check out The Jolly Sailor) and Beeses – to go and swim in the river. On a sunny day it’s great to pack up some food and drink, hit the bikes and adventure out to laze on the banks of the Avon all day. It’s pretty blissful to live somewhere where you can do that.”
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
