People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Abbi Bayliss
Abbi Bayliss is an artist, the marketing & communications assistant at Arnolfini, a creative with Rising Arts Agency and a member of the steering group at Visual Arts South West.
She also runs sessions in digital illustration with Yuup, enabling anyone to use their own Apple Pencil and iPad to create a unique piece of art.
These are Abbi’s top-five Bristol favourites:
is needed now More than ever
Arnolfini
Arnolfini opened in 1961 above a bookshop on the Clifton Triangle and has been in Bush House since 1975 – photo: Martin Booth
“Previously being part of Arnolfini’s young artist collective with Now or Never, I consider it my second home. There’s no pressure to be anything there and that’s what I love. That’s exactly what art galleries should be: an escape, a place for you to go and just exist outside of everyday life. Arnolfini to me is liberating. It’s somewhere I can be myself.”
Millennium Square
Millennium Square has recently become a very popular spot for roller-skating – photo: Martin Booth
“The majority of my nights out follow a simple pattern: our designated spot, ‘the ledge’, just off of Millennium Square, Greek takeaway, cocktail making and throwback tunes. The combination of wonder and terror you get riding the ferris wheel after downing your homemade cocktails followed by skateboarding at Lloyds even though none of us know how to. The thing I love about Bristol so much is that we make our own fun.”
Nadine’s Caribbean Cafe
Nadine’s Caribbean Cafe opened on Stapleton Road following success in St Paul’s as a takeaway – photo: Martin Booth
“This Caribbean takeaway on Stapleton Road is the closest thing I’ve found to my nan’s cooking, especially due to its generous portion sizes. The vibe at Nadine’s Caribbean Cafe is friendly and their food feels like a warm hug, if that doesn’t sell it I don’t know what will. Actually I do, two words: fried dumplings (aka festivals for my Caribbean fam).
St George Park
St George is a large Victorian suburban park – photo: Martin Booth
“Popular among us St George locals, it surprised me to learn my favourite park is often a secret to others outside this area. Being someone who has been obsessed with water their whole lives, the St George Park pond still remains a favourite. It reflects the sunset beautifully every night. it almost feels like you’re watching two. Plus, there’s always someone playing the saxophone, though I’m yet to find out who.”
The Last Bookshop
All books at The Last Bookshop are new and cost £3 or less – photo: Martin Booth
“Bristol is great for independent bookshops so I was torn in deciding my favourite. However, The Last Bookshop on Park Street has loyally kept my shelves stocked for years. All books are £3 or less which to my 20-year-old ears sounded like heaven. Their range – from arts and culture, 19th century plays and even vintage style posters – has made me on numerous occasions buy the whole shop.”
Main photo: Arnolfini
Read more: How stonemasons are bringing the past back to life at Bristol Beacon
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