People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Danny Maddocks
Danny Maddocks is the founder and owner of The Bristol Shop, an online retailer selling art and gifts all made by Bristol people. Launched on January 29, 2013, The Bristol Shop is celebrating four years since opening its virtual doors.
Here are Danny’s top five Bristol favourites:
Rivers and waterways
is needed now More than ever
“I love being on or near the water and Bristol is surrounded by great spots to enjoy it. In the summer months I kayak with my kids from the Feeder to Baltic Wharf, which they love. And with Portishead, Clevedon, the Kennet & Avon Canal and Chew Valley Lake all just a stone’s throw away, there are always new spots to discover and enjoy.”
The food scene
“There are so many fantastic restaurants and street food vendors in Bristol. Current favourites include Biblos, Bertha’s Pizza, Casamia, Kohi Noor and The Townhouse. My business has sponsored the Bristol Good Food Awards for the last four years and the people I’ve met there have a real passion for food and local produce which really comes across in the dishes they serve.”
St Paul’s Carnival
“Bristol has a wealth of good music and cultural events happening throughout the year, but there is something extra special about St Paul’s Carnival. I was first taken as a baby and I don’t think I’ve missed one since. The sound systems, music, street food, vibrancy and real sense of community and bringing people together is what makes it so special. I hope it returns soon.”
Balloons
“Growing up in Bristol you see hot air balloons all the time. It’s a regular occurrence that I never really took too much notice of. But in my teens and early 20s I spent time working in Italy and Cyprus and didn’t see a single balloon. Now, when I see them it has a real sense of being home.”
Independent artists, designers, makers and brands
“There is so much creative talent in Bristol. I started my business to promote that talent throughout the UK and beyond. I wanted to create an online shop where relatively new up and coming Bristol artists such as Georgie Webster can promote their work alongside established names like Andy Council, and new independent brands like Ziggy Thistle can sit alongside Bristol success stories like Minirig (I LOVE my Minirig – such a good portable speaker!). It’s a fantastic feeling when someone in Australia buys a piece of Bristol art, or a foreign embassy in London buys handmade lampshades from a Bristol maker for their offices.”
Read more: 39 stunning photos of Bristol