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My Bristol Favourites: Lady Nade
Award-winning folk and Americana singer-songwriter, Lady Nade, will be performing at the Bristol Beacon on December 2 as part of the Housewarming event celebrating its reopening.
As part of the event, Lady Nade’s name will be added to the stairs at the venue, and excerpts from her song Bristol is Our Playground will feature as part of a heritage story wall to mark the occasion.
The song written in response to the pandemic was created by Lady Nade in collaboration with members of Mini Singers, Bristol Beacon’s choir for Key Stage 1 children.
is needed now More than ever
These are Lady Nade’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Ahh Toots
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“My fave cake shop is located at the bottom of Christmas Steps. In the past, it was my go-to chip shop for hearty fish and chips with my grandad. Now, it’s a haven for delectable and visually stunning cakes. Their creations are known for their intricate designs and vibrant colours, making it a must-visit for any cake enthusiast with a sweet tooth. Stepping into Ahh Toots feels like entering a whimsical version of a cake shop straight out of Diagon Alley.”
Zion

Zion used to be a chapel – photo: Tanya Hazell
“Zion in Bedminster Down serves as a hub for various social, cultural, and recreational activities within the BS13 community where I grew up. It offers a range of services and programmes, including events, workshops, classes, and spaces for meetings and gatherings. It plays a crucial role in fostering community engagement and supporting local initiatives. If you’re in Bristol and looking for opportunities to connect with your community or participate in events, the Zion community centre is a great place to explore.”
Dundry Hill
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“I attended Dundry Primary School, and every time I drive up Dundry Hill, memories flood back of belting out songs with my band in the car. It’s become my go-to spot for reflection, especially during bouts of writer’s block or tough times. The hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of Bristol and the picturesque countryside. It’s peppered with perfect spots for leisurely walks and taking in the stunning scenery.”
Hamilton House

Hamilton House sits at the heart of Stokes Croft – photo: Hamilton House
“Located in the heart of Stokes Croft, Hamilton House stands as a vibrant hub for artists, activists and community groups. It provides a creative space with studios, workshops and a variety of events. Having organised workshops throughout Bristol, I find immense satisfaction in being part of community events. Specifically, hosting songwriting and singing workshops in this space brings me an incredible amount of joy.”
The Green Man

A sunny corner of the Green Man’s beer garden – photo: The Green Man
“Being a patron of music venues and supporting grassroots establishments that have stood by me through every stage of my career holds immense importance. Keeping these venues alive is a cause that truly resonates with me. One pub that has showcased the heart of its community in Bristol is the Green Man in Kingsdown, which offers a fantastic range of drinks and has a well-deserved a reputation for its ever-changing beer selection. It’s a cosy pub with a small garden and provides an intimate setting for live music, making it a standout in the scene.”
Main photo: Alec Bowman-Clarke
Read next:
- More than 60 Bristol artists to play at Beacon’s reopening party
- Review: Lady Nade, The Church of St Thomas the Martyr – ‘She radiates love, kindness and friendliness’
- Lady Nade on the power of music and more
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