People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Johnny Flanagan
Johnny Flanagan is head of supporter relations at St Peter’s Hospice, a Bristol charity caring for adults with life-limiting illnesses.
St Peter’s Hospice aims to improve the quality of their living and dying while extending care and support to their families and loved ones; providing physical, psychological and spiritual care for patients in their own homes as well as at the hospice in Brentry.
Here are Johnny’s top-five Bristol favourites:
is needed now More than ever
Gloucester Road and Stokes Croft
Masa+Mezcal is owned by the same team as Bravas, Bakers & Co, Carrgo Cantina and Gambas – photo by Martin Booth
“I love the vibrancy of this area of Bristol, especially the independent shops and other businesses. One of my great pleasures is to sit and people-watch. The perfect place for this is Masa+Mezcal on Stokes Croft. What more could you want than sitting there eating delicious Mexican food, drinking a glass of wine and enjoying the atmosphere of the area.”
Totterdown
This photo of Totterdown by Joshua Perrett was taken by after launching a drone in Perrett’s Park
“We lived at Clifton View in Totterdown for about five years. Totterdown is such a colourful area to live, I love architecture, and the different colour houses is fabulous. I loved walking our dog Toddy in Victoria Park, and you would always enjoy meeting and talking to other dog owners. Our house was up two flights of steps from the road, and you had to carry all of your shopping – very good exercise! Totterdown has such a great community feel about it.”
Thornbury Castle
“My husband James and I (sounding like the Queen!) were married at Thornbury Castle in 2006 so I have some very happy memories of this beautiful place. The castle has changed ownership over the years, but has retained its unique atmosphere. The staff are very friendly and the place is unpretentious. We have returned on a number of occasions over the years since we were married to have afternoon tea and walk in the gardens. It’s a special treat once a year and we love it.”
St Peter’s Hospice
“St Peter’s Hospice is like my second home, and it’s where my work-family live. I have worked there for almost 20 years! It is the most remarkable place to be; the hospice is surrounded by the most beautiful gardens which were designed by Chelsea Flower gold-medallist Olivia Kirk. It is a place of love, care and compassion, and it is a privilege to spend time with these amazing people in this incredible place.”
Blaise Castle Estate
The Blaise Cactle folly is a popular background for photos – photo by Martin Booth
“I have so many happy memories of walking my dogs in Blaise. I would go early in the morning so as to avoid the crowds. My chocolate Labrador, Arthur, is prone to be very friendly with people, and likes to jump up on them to say hello. Not everyone loves dogs! There are so many wonderful routes to walk, Gorge walk, Kings Weston Down walk and the beautiful Rhododendron walk.”
Main photo: Johnny Flanagan
Read more: Call out for St Peter’s Hospice volunteers
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