People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol favourites: Louise Dark
Louise Dark is co-owner of Otomi, a small shop selling authentic Mexican products in the Clifton Arcade and via their growing wholesale business. On Wednesday, November 11 Clifton Village will begin its Christmas celebrations for 2015 with community carol singing in The Mall Gardens and the switch-on of their 50ft Christmas tree.
Here are Louise’s top-five Bristol favourites:
The docks and the harbourside
is needed now More than ever
“Ever since moving to Bristol 20-odd years ago I have been drawn to the docks, but never more so than now. Not only is there a great walk all the way around but also a fantastic weekend market with live music and food, perfect for a Sunday stroll.”
Food
Bus life! pic.twitter.com/dP337gIj2Q
— Bearritos (@Bearritos) October 22, 2015
Bristol has a multitude of great restaurants but also a fantastic array of street food from all over the world, in particular The Little Taqueria at Harbourside Market and Bearritos in the Bearpit, not to mention the many food festivals throughout the year.
Clifton Arcade
“I know this one is an obvious choice but there hasn’t been a day in nearly 8 years of having a shop that I haven’t enjoyed coming to work in the Clifton Arcade. Otomí is one of only 17 businesses, all different and unique, like the people. It does have a ‘villagy’ feel and although we are all small businesses, it feels like we are part of something bigger. It amazes me that many people are unaware that it is here. It is a bit of a hidden gem.”
The people
“I love the fact that Bristol is full of people that have chosen to live here. It has a huge creative vibe with an abundance of artists, musicians, foodies and the like. You would be hard pushed to find a weekend with nothing creative going on.”
Victoria Park
Victoria Park, #Bristol pic.twitter.com/iPLidAVppW
— Alex Hamlin (@AlexHamlin) August 7, 2015
“I am lucky enough to live right by the park and have spent many hours there. The views are lovely, from the cityscape to the colourful houses of Totterdown (the colourful houses in Bristol was the first thing that struck me when I arrived). It has a great cafe – Mrs Brown’s – and a vibrant community spirit.”