People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Dan Howatson
Dan Howatson is assistant house ambassador at Artist Residence in St Paul’s.
The boutique hotel within a former boot factory on Portland Square has recently started serving brunch and dinner in its cafe and bar, called the Boot Factory as a nod to the building’s heritage.
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is needed now More than ever
These are Dan’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Troopers Hill
The purple heather and yellow broom of Troopers Hill is unique in Bristol – photo: Martin Booth
“Living over in east Bristol, I’m pretty spoilt for beautiful enclaves of nature to get out and enjoy. But for me, Troopers Hill, with its spectacular view over the River Avon and most of Bristol beyond, tops them all. I’ve been up there in the snow, with people whizzing past on old skis and mattresses. I’ve been up there on blisteringly hot summer’s days, with people sunbathing and running down the hill to cool off in the river. On Bonfire Night you get to witness every single fireworks display across the city, totally free of charge! Head up there and see what I mean.”
The Orchard Inn
The Orchard Inn is a proud free house – photo: Martin Booth
“If someone asked me to describe my perfect pub, it would look a lot like the Orchard Inn on Spike Island. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the harbourside, it just has everything you need in a good, honest boozer. The beer and cider selection is vast and constantly changing. It doesn’t try to be fancy; simple bar snacks and a no nonsense décor feel homely and welcoming. Well worth a visit.”
Murray May’s
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“There are a LOT of street food vendors in Bristol at the moment, but one I just can’t stop returning to is the beautiful old turquoise truck belonging to kebab kings Murray May’s. Honestly these wraps, all cooked over an open charcoal grill, get me every time. Just writing about them is making me hungry!”
Underfall Yard
Inside Underfall Yard – photo: Chris-Wilkins
“If you want to learn about one of the great engineering feats of the 19th century, one which now makes Bristol the city it is today, checkout the visitors centre at Underfall Yard. I could stare at their bird’s-eye view of Bristol’s waterways for hours at a time! And reading about how the New Cut was constructed to create what we now call the Floating Harbour, just boggles the mind at the ingenuity of it all. After you’ve taken all that in, wander round the corner and grab a pint at the wonderful Nova Scotia.”
Royate Hill viaduct
Royate Hill Local Nature Reserve is situated on a former railway embankment which was constructed in 1870s to form part of the Clifton Extension Railway – photo: Martin Booth
“Another east Bristol highlight for you. This long abandoned viaduct over offers a glimpse of Bristol’s industrial past. Long ago a railway line ran over here, connecting what is now the Bristol & Bath Railway Path with the Narroways in St Werburgh’s. Nowadays it is a hidden gem of a local nature reserve, with views over Greenbank Cemetery and Eastville Park. It is a great example of how nature can take over if manmade structures are left to the passage of time.”
Main photo: Artist Residence
Read more: Brilliant new boutique hotel in Bristol has been worth the wait
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