People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Emmeline Rodman
Emmeline Rodman is the new chief operating officer at Filwood Community Centre in Knowle West.
Also a freelance event management lecturer at BIMM Institute, Emmeline lives in Horfield and is currently producing a series of science fiction film screenings in Bristol.
These are Emmeline’s top-five Bristol favourites:
is needed now More than ever
Don Don
Former ballet dancer Makoto Nakamura began Don Don as a street food stall before opening his first permanent premises – photo: Martin Booth
“Don Don is a cosy Clifton spot which is a perfect mix of authentic Japanese food and a friendly atmosphere. The owner Makoto is a wonderfully calming, welcoming presence providing fast service to those passing through for lunch and a chat to those happy to linger. Being vegetarian, I love the textures and delicate flavours of the tofu bento and the incredible giant root vegetable tempura stack. I often sit with my partner in the window, watching the world go by, while we savour mouthfuls of this magical food, cooked with meticulous care.”
Kellaway Avenue
Kellaway Avenue – photo: Emmeline Rodman
“At the start of this year, I wanted to get back to running and decided to set up a local Couch to 5k group, Horfield Runners. On a cold, dark January evening I’d arranged a meeting point outside Horfield Leisure Centre for anyone to join me. To my surprise, 17 local people came along, wanting to get fit and make friends. Over the following nine weeks, we ran up and down Kellaway Avenue, a long, flat road in the area. This unassuming road reminds me of the dedication, conversation and achievement we shared. Seven months later the group is still active and growing.”
Eat Your Greens
Eat Your Greens in Totterdown – photo: Emmeline Rodman
I recently discovered Eat Your Greens while visiting the neighbouring florist, Floriography by Vera (another amazing find). The food and staff were great, but the toilet was an unexpected discovery. Less of a loo and more of a shrine to the world of Star Trek. As a sci-fi fan, I was blown away by the owner’s creativity, attention to detail and commitment to the galactic cause. Simply out of this world.”
Watershed
Watershed is a “home from home” for Emmeline – photo: Arup
“I’ve always been passionate about film and find this cinema a place of solace from city life and my busy ADHD brain. I was recently mentored by the South West Film Hub team there, to realise my dream of developing a sci-fi film season for the neurodiverse community. I’ve only lived in Bristol for five years, but the Watershed has been a constant, from taking my son to baby film screenings, to having meetings in the cafe. It’s a home from home.”
The Roundhouse
The Roundhouse in Knowle’s Springfield allotments – photo: Emmeline Rodman
“This Hobbit-like yurt used for community activities sits within Knowle’s Springfield allotments. I recently returned to working in the area and was reminded of the green figured talents and passion of the local people. When inside, you can see beautiful views of the Northern Slopes and wildlife running across the vast green space. Knowle and Filwood have some truly beautiful green spaces. Well worth a visit if you haven’t already explored the area.”
Main photo: Jonathon Lines
Read more: New community garden opens in unusual place
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