My Bristol Favourites: Rachel Hawkins

New Bristol24/7 columnist Rachel is Bristolian born and bred. She grew up in Hanham but has moved around the east of the city a bit and now lives in Kingswood, although concedes that Hanham is where her heart will always lie. Her passions include writing, tweeting, moaning, swearing, fake tanning and vaping. Drinking and eating rate highly too.

Here are Rachel’s top-five Bristol favourites:

Chasers nightclub, Kingswood

“Okay, stay with me and please try not to judge. It’s not just about the sticky floor and questionable tunes. Chase is where I spent the latter part of my teenage years. The formative years you might argue. It’s nostalgic for me. And while I don’t go there all that often these days I know that if I did visit I’d have a bloody great night. It’s also mentioned in the best sitcom of all time, The Office, which was written by fellow Hanham-er Stephen Merchant. And if that isn’t a ringing endorsement I don’t know what is! Iconic. No other word for it.”

Birdcage Walk

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLJCpnqA0Vh

“Birdcage Walk is an Instagrammer’s dream. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve taken nuts for the squirrels and watched as my son grows in confidence with each visit as he tentatively feeds them. It’s just a beautiful branch-shrouded walkway, encircled by old gravestones that I always have a read of when I’m there. And once you reach the end (depending where you started of course), you’ve found yourself in one of the best places in Bristol: Clifton Village. Plenty of decent places to quench a thirst (and a hunger) when you’ve finished your walk.”

Hanham High Street

“I grew up in Hanham. One of my first jobs was in the newsagents in Hanham High Street. I’d spend my wages on scratch cards and cigarettes – not the most lucrative role I’ve ever had. And let me tell you now, it was decidedly different in the 90s and noughties to what it is today. It’s almost like the prayers we made for years have finally been answered. There are now cafes and restaurants and a lovely little shop which sells handmade effects that I can’t resist whenever I’m in there.

“In my humble opinion, Hanham High Street has improved immeasurably over the last few years and I’m so pleased. Pleased because it deserves to have a thriving high street and the local businesses have worked so well to make it that way, especially with the organised activities they lay on for children during Halloween and the like.

“@lovehanhamhighstreet is the account to follow on Instagram. I also love the noise the door makes in Goldings when you walk in. It’s done it since I was a kid. If you know, you know!”

Chew Valley Lake

“Look at it. Just look at it. Is that not some sort of utopia? You’d be forgiven for thinking that was photographed abroad. If you ignore the toilets sign and perhaps the British cars. And maybe that greenery. Alright, it’s just the sun on the lake that gives the illusion you could be in Spain.

“Another Instagrammer’s paradise, Chew Valley Lake has it all for me. Stunning scenery. A park for my son to play in. And arguably, at Salt & Malt, the best fish and chips I’ve ever tasted (debate me on it if you dare). When I look at that view I feel calm, rested and so glad to be out of the hustle and bustle of the city. Beautiful. My absolute happy place.”

Kingswood Park

Photo courtesy of netmums

“I am indeed taking it back to another part of BS15. Mainly because my son has played there since he was small so again it’s nostalgia for me. But also, because I feel incredibly lucky to have a lovely park within walking distance of my house. I’ve visited when we’ve had to wrap up in the snow and I’ve sweated it out on the bench whilst watching my son play with the facilities. There’s lovely scenery, views and squirrels. Perhaps I was a squirrel in a previous life? And when it comes to green space, I don’t think it gets the credit it deserves.”