People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Helyn Gulley
Helyn Gulley is a sign writer, scenic painter and mural artist.
Her most recent work can be seen above the door of the recently reopened Kings Head on Victoria Street.
These are Helyn’s top-five Bristol favourites:
is needed now More than ever
Bridge Farm
The land and barns at Bridge Farm next to the M32 are being developed towards and for community use – photo: Bridge Farm
“Bridge Farm in Stapleton is a community-led housing project which has recently opened its doors for public events. They often host events focused around the pagan calendar and a lot of effort has gone into preserving folk traditions during these celebrations. I recently visited for the Samhain event, which involved a witch ceremony, craft workshops, food gathering and a big ceilidh at the end. So wholesome and nourishing!”
Ahh Toots
https://www.instagram.com/p/CkAp_4usAQQ/
“Located on Christmas Steps, this has to be the most beautiful bakery window display I’ve ever seen. The cakes at Ahh Toots are pieces of art, adorned with fresh seasonal fruit and delicate touches like marbled icing and edible flowers. I always make sure to take my friends here for afternoon tea when they visit.”
Elm Tree Farm
Elm Tree Farm offers adults with learning disabilities and autism the ability to gain work skills and access vocational training – photo: Bristol Food Producers
“I’m lucky enough to live very close to this city farm, which is a community enterprise supported by Brandon Trust, a learning disability charity. Every Saturday I look forward to my little stroll over to Elm Tree Farm in Stapleton to say hello to the grazing animals and pick up my fresh food for the week. All of the veg is grown on site, and they have beautiful freshly pressed apple juice at this time of the year.”
The Mount Without
https://www.instagram.com/p/ChblRUAMkvk/
“This is a beautiful rustic former church with crumbling walls and original stained glass windows. I recently saw a concert here where classic horror movie music was played as a duet by a violinist and a pianist on a grand piano. The Mount Without on St Michael’s Hill was illuminated by candlelight and it felt really magical. There’s a crypt bar downstairs displaying various art exhibitions. It’s totally my vibe.”
The Garden of Easton
The Garden of Easton promises a “plant-filled, rustic destination for artful meals & drinks celebrating locally sourced ingredients” – photo: The Garden of Easton
“The Garden of Easton on St Mark’s Road is absolutely covered in real plants, inside and out. It genuinely feels like you’re stepping into a secret garden as you enter. All of the food is based on what’s in season and they make sure to use local suppliers. I find it so hard to pick what I want when I visit here, everything looks so good!”
Main photo: Helyn Gulley
Read next:
- Ghost sign near Bristol repainted by orders of local council
- Historic pub brought back to life
- Exciting project unfolding at site of former railway station
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