People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Nessa Bird
Nessa Bird has recently opened new restaurant 1 York Place in Clifton with her husband, Freddy.
The husband and wife team also own Little French restaurant and Littleshop & Pantry cafe-bakery in Westbury Park
1 York Place is a 46-cover neighbourhood bistro, promising to “offer an informal yet impeccable approach to the food, wine and ambience, a style of hospitality that the dynamic husband and wife team have become renowned for”.
is needed now More than ever
The new restaurant space has been designed and conceived by Nessa, who also works front of house and oversees logistics across all the three businesses owned by her and Freddy.
These are Nessa’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Henleaze Lake
Henleaze Swimming Club have enjoyed the use of Henleaze Lake since 1919 – photo: Barbara Evripidou
“A hot ticket summer and winter alike within a large flooded quarry that is framed on one side with weeping willows and on the other by reeds. In the winter, I like nothing more than to dip into the freezing lake and then thaw off in the sauna. In summer, it feels like nowhere else. All ages, all backgrounds, milling about, basking in the sunshine, chatting, reading, picnicking. Just perfect.”
Paradise Bottom
Paradise Bottom was designed by 18th Century landscape designer, Humphry Repton – photo: Bristol Barkers
“Walk across the Suspension Bridge and at the far end of Leigh Woods there is a magic spot with large redwoods, streams, a lake and high-sided woodland walks. Paradise Bottom is great for the dogs, kids and for time away from it all. You’re likely to be completely alone for the duration of your visit here too.”
Wilsons
Wilsons holds a green Michelin star for sustainability – photo: Emli Bendixen
“Wilsons is our go-to with my husband, Freddy, either for lunch or dinner. You can choose from their longer menu or shorten it for lunch if you’re pressed for time and just want a quick bite to eat (maybe with a lovely glass of something). Always delicious, beautifully curated ingredients, presented to perfection. the attention to detail makes this restaurant on Chandos Road in Redland a really special spot for all occasions.”
Redland Green Club
Major tennis tournaments such as the Davis Cup used to be played in Redland – photo: Redland Green Club
“My local tennis club is so fab. Redland Green Club has eight outdoor courts with two new padel courts, multiple sqaush courts and a gym. It’s open to members and non-members alike and is a great space for sundowners, cardio sessions and box leagues, all in the heart of Redland Green.”
Littleshop & Pantry
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“I know it seems obvious as it’s one of our businesses, but I do love being at Littleshop & Pantry. It’s a community space. Always buzzing with local people from in and around Westbury Park and Henleaze. Littleshop & Pantry has grown into something that we couldn’t have predicted. Mums with babes, older folk out for lunch or remote workers tapping away on their keyboards. A great mix of people. You can sit and watch the world go by sitting in the window which I love too. And the food is always on point.- Top tip: the breakfast bap will blow your mind.”
Main photo: Nessa Bird
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