People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Paul Vincent
Paul Vincent, a member of the concierge team at the newly refurbished Grand Hotel, has been welcoming and helping guests enjoy their stays in Bristol for the past four years. The Victorian Grade II listed property on Broad Street has been given a new look which includes hundreds of pieces of art by Bristol artists.
Here are Paul’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Upfest
is needed now More than ever
“Having lived in Southville for the past year, it was fascinating to see the urban art being created at Upfest along North Street and the surrounding area. From the Mr Men coming out of the wall at the Tobacco Factory to the boards on the green and shop fronts. Now, months later, we have original pieces from Gemma Compton and Cai Burton on the walls in the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel!”
Harbourside
“I walk daily to work through Wapping Wharf, past the M Shed and over Prince Street Bridge and love the vibrancy of the harbourside. With the success of Cargo and the soon to arrive Cargo 2, it is the place to be at the moment with its restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. M Shed is one of the places I always tell our guests to visit; it really is worth the short walk.”
Baltic Wharf
“My parents have a touring caravan and stay at the site at Baltic Wharf Caravan Club Site, which has a gate in the fence which brings you directly onto the path next to the Floating Harbour. After having our Sunday dinner at The Cottage pub, which is next door, there is nothing better than sitting by the harbour watching the boats as the sun goes down over Ashton Court with a nice glass of wine.”
Bristol Pride
“This summer, Bristol Pride festival will be held again at the Lloyds Amphitheatre after its success last year which celebrated LGBT, diversity and inclusivity – a true festival with such a fun and relaxed atmosphere. This makes me so proud to live in Bristol. And after organising two relatively smaller Prides in 2005 and 2006 on the same site, I fully understand the work that goes into creating such an amazing event and hugely admire Daryn Carter and the whole Pride team.”
Queenshilling
“My guilty pleasure will always be the Queenshilling. With its various themed nights and relaxed atmosphere, it is somewhere I have spent a lot of time over the years. With the current team it has gone from strength to strength winning various awards, most recently Best Late Night Venue in the Bristol Lifestyle Awards. I am proud to be one of the family there having previously run the place!”
Main photo of Paul Vincent by Jon Craig
Read more: Grand refurb for historic city centre hotel
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