My Bristol Favourites: Dawn Limbu

Dawn Limbu is a presenter on the Ujima Radio Breakfast Show and the South West Chart Show.

She studied journalism and public relations at UWE Bristol as an undergraduate, and is currently studying MA journalism at UWE while working part-time as a content creator in the Pervasive Media Studio at Watershed.

Dawn completed Saffron Records’ Mix Nights course earlier this year and has recently been enjoying DJing in some of her favourite small venues across Bristol.

These are Dawn’s top-five Bristol favourites:

Troopers Hill

Troopers Hill offers panoramic views over Bristol – photo by Ellie Pipe

“I woke up in tears the morning after my first night in Bristol. I had moved to the city by myself on a whim and felt very lonely. I decided to take myself on an adventure and found Troopers Hill right on my doorstep. After climbing the steep hill (something that I was not used to), the amazing views that I saw assured me that I had made the right decision. I felt inspired to explore this fascinating new city.”

Strange Brew

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“Tucked away on Fairfax Street in the city centre, Strange Brew is one of my favourite independent venues. Initially, Strange Brew was a well-kept secret as it opened during the pandemic, but the venue is now bursting with creativity and character. The venue was built with all artists in mind, with a DJ booth, stage and exhibition space in the backroom. Strange Brew holds a special place in my heart as it was the first venue I ever performed publicly as a DJ. In September, I performed at Saffron’s Mix Nights term eight showcase. It was a wholesome and incredible evening full of fresh talent and a supportive crowd.”

Snuff Mills

The view over Snuff Mills from Wickham Hill – photo: Martin Booth

“Who knew such a tranquil green space could exist in the middle of a bustling city? Snuff Mills is one of my favourite places to get away from it all. I always forget that I’m right in the middle of a busy city when I’m surrounded by the sounds of gushing water and birdsong.”

Mickey Zoggs

Mickey Zogg’s occupies what used to be the Surrey Vaults pub between Portland Square and Brunswick Square – photo: Martin Booth

“A recent favourite of mine – Mickey Zogg’s is a lovely small cafe and bar in St Paul’s. It is also the home of Noods Radio, so there is always great music playing. In the daytime, the café is a great place to read a book or get some work done. By nighttime, it turns into a lively space full of some of Bristol’s friendliest creatives. The staff are fun and friendly and the cafe serves amazing Italian food and fresh coffee. Every couple of months Noods throw a social at Zoggs, which are always full of games, raffles and laughs!

The Gallimaufry

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“I’ve been going to the open mic at the Gallimaufry on a Monday night for the past few months and I am always blown away by the talented people that step up to the microphone each week. I’ve seen all different genres from soul to rock and even a few comedy acts. Even better, I’ve seen a few of my friends perform there for the first time too, so it’s been really special cheering them on and watching them shine. Open mic at the Galli is a lovely way to start the week with good company and great entertainment. And it’s free!”

Main photo: Fenton Fleming

Read more: Ujima Radio relaunches chart show for artists across Bristol and the South West

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