People / My Bristol Favourites

My Bristol Favourites: Antonia Purdie

By Martin Booth  Saturday Oct 8, 2022

Antonia Purdie is a multi-talented performance artist.

As well as running one of Bristol’s longest running life drawing classes, Purdie Life Drawing, she can also be found performing burlesque, fire and creating performance art around the city at venues, events and exhibitions.

These are Antonia’s top-five Bristol favourites:

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The Jam Jar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdIRwzZxoOs

The Jam Jar has a really special place in my heart. It’s been the home of my life drawing classes for the past six years. They gave me the opportunity and space to start my own classes and have supported me every step of the way in growing my business. Not only that, but this has to be one of my favourite music venues in Bristol. From DJs, to live music and cabaret, there’s always something going on.”

The Raven

The Raven cocktail bar is located on Corn Street above Four Wise Monkeys – photo: Hyde & Co. Group

The Raven is where you’ll find me most weekends. After finishing my burlesque show, I would usually scurry away, but here I love nothing more than unwinding with an old fashioned or a sea princess (one of their house cocktails). If you want some delicious cocktails in a beautiful venue with performances, look no further!”

Troopers Hill

The purple heather and yellow broom of Troopers Hill is unique in Bristol – photo: Martin Booth

“Best views in Bristol. You can feel like you’re far away from the hustle and bustle of city life while you meander around the gorge and then watch the sunset on top of the hill next to what I like to think of as Bristol’s version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It’s so beautiful up there, and at this time of year it’s made even better with a flask of something warm.”

The Arnolfini

Arnolfini opened in 1961 above a bookshop on the Clifton Triangle and has been in Bush House since 1975 – photo: Martin Booth

“If I’m ever down this end of town and at a loose end, I will head to the Arnolfini. I’ve seen so many amazing exhibitions and performances here. The range of things put on here excites and blows my mind. Some of the pieces I’ve seen here really inspired and enhanced my own artistic practice. Most notably Franko B, Laura Murphy and Still I Rise.”

The Lock Up

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbwl8HdMOo6/

“Nestled in the heart of Church Road, The Lock Up is an absolute gem of a restaurant. In a warm and welcoming environment, you can gorge yourself on the tastiest food. Have a meal, a catch-up or just a drink. The staff are so friendly and the menu is always interesting. I can’t recommend here enough!”

Main photo: Hyde & Co. Group

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