My Bristol Favourites: Rema Mukena

Rema Mukena is a multi-faceted creative, presenter, award winning journalist, artist and producer.

She is a resident DJ with the Club Djembe label and a mentor with Creative Mentor Network. She has created shows for Reprezent, SWU.FM and Noods Radio with sounds centered around UK funky, baile funk, grime, house, R&B and bootlegs.

Rema will be hitting the decks at Siren Festival, supporting Sean Paul on July 28.

These are Rema’s top-five Bristol favourites:

Easton Leisure Centre

Easton Leisure Centre on Thrissell Street off Stapleton Road has a gym, fitness studio, sports hall, squash courts and a swimming pool with a water slide – photo: Martin Booth

“I swam a lot as a kid and would always drag my parents to our local swim spots in North London, but upon moving to Bristol I swam less and less, just because of a change in lifestyle. But I’ve always felt drawn to swimming and felt connected to the water, so recently I took it upon myself to get back to it and I’m so glad that I did! I love to go swimming at Easton Leisure Centre a few times a week – it helps me unwind and get away from all the noise.”

Golden Valley Nature Reserve

At the top of a steep climb from the weir, the Summer House offers magnificent views over the working Limestone Quarry – photo: Golden Valley Nature Reserve

“Nestled in between Bristol and Bath (but with a Bristol postcode) is this beautiful nature spot – Golden Valley Nature Reserve. This safe haven is so peaceful that once you get to the top, you could hear a pin drop. I first discovered this woodland walk about a year ago when my flatmate and I were looking for somewhere to go for our monthly hike and I was shocked to find that this place was only about a 30-minute drive away from us, so we’ve now visited a few times. If you’re able to visit, try and get all the way to the top for amazing views of the quarry!”

Don Giovanni’s

Don Giovanni’s opposite Temple Meads has been run by chef Andrew Firetto for the past 41 years, but is under threat from development – photo: Mia Vines Booth

“I bang on about Don Giovanni’s to all my friends – it’s the best Italian I’ve had in Bristol and I love it because it’s such a hidden little gem and is authentic Italian. It’s right next to Temple Meads but because that area isn’t exactly a hot spot for restaurants and bars most people I’ve spoken to about it haven’t been there. I was shocked to find it a few years ago but I’m so glad I did. I’ve taken a few friends there since I discovered it. I would recommend the Gamberoni el Aglio because I Iiterally love the prawns there, the carbornara and the lasagne al forno.”

Pirate Studios

Pirate Studios offer rehearsal spaces available to hire 24 hours a day – photo: Pirate Studios

“Pirate Studios in Lawrence Hill may not be the fanciest, most up to date studio out of all the ones they have dotted around the world, but I learnt so much here when I first started djing. I also spent a lot of time here with Saffron Records during the Radio Broadcasting course I did with them a couple of years back, so when I think back to that time, I think a lot about community and how it was a place for us all to come together and share our love of music. Even though now I have my own set up at home so don’t spend as much time at Pirate Studios (Bristol specifically) – unless I’m in another city – it holds a lot of special memories for me. At the beginning of my djing and radio career, I spent loads of time at Pirate honing my craft, experimenting with sounds and the occasional break down when two tracks wouldn’t mix the way I wanted them to!”

St George Park

An avenue of trees in St George Park – photo: Martin Booth

“I love St George Park because it’s tucked away from all the noise of the city centre. I like coming here to escape. It has so many beautiful areas to explore. I love the pond that has loads of cute ducks and swans.”

Main photo: Jabani 

Read next:

• My Bristol Favourites: Jayde Adams
• Community pledges to restore east Bristol play park
• 30 of the most influential under 30s revealed

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