People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Jess Wright
Jess Wright is the driving force behind Zion Community Art Space in Bedminster Down, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2021.
The former Methodist chapel is now a thriving community hub for south Bristol, running more than 200 activities and events each year.
Jess is also one of the organisers of The People’s Museum at M Shed on November 13 and 14, an exhibition showcasing collections of people living in BS13.
is needed now More than ever
These are Jess’ top-five Bristol favourites:
Thai Garden, West Street
Some of the staff at Thai Garden – photo: Thai Garden
“At Thai Garden on West Street, the food is lovely, it’s a relaxed atmosphere and it’s a bring-your-own. The massaman beef curry is a great dish and the dumplings are good.”
Zion Community Art Space
Zion is celebrating its tenth birthday this year – photo: Zion
“Zion is brilliant. The people who come there are amazing and they get involved in projects like People’s Museum without too much hassle from me. We have got an amazing space and a brilliant cafe too.”
The Lego Store
The Lego Store opened in Cabot Circus in 2020 – photo: Martin Booth
“Going in The Lego Store is like when you were a kid. It all looks great and it’s very exciting with all the boxes. I do the adult Lego, the architecture stuff. The flatiron building in New York is the favourite I have made. It’s on display at home next to about 100 minifigures. If I was going to get one set now, I think it would be the space shuttle.”
The Plough & Windmill
The former Plough & Windmill has now been turned into flats – photo: Facebook
“The Plough & Windmill that used to be on West Street was one of my favourite pubs. It was a proper old-fashioned pub. There was no food, there was a horseshoe bar, a pool room. I liked it in there.”
Manor Woods Valley
Historic Manor Woods Valley in Bishopsworth is a designated Local Nature Reserve – photo: Manor Woods Valley Group
“So much work has gone on at Manor Woods Valley from the conservation team. It was a big lifesaver during lockdown, not just for me but for a lot of people, just to have a nice green space to get out in. Chew Valley Lake is another favourite of mine. It’s just really peaceful walking around, and you can get an ice cream and a beer there.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: A showcase of the everyday from the residents of BS13
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