My Bristol Favourites: Robin Connolly

Robin Connolly (pictured above right) is the Editor of the Bristol24/7 Student Guide 2021.

She is a recent graduate of the University of Bristol who completed a summer internship with Bristol24/7 before being appointed to edit the annual guide.

Read the Bristol24/7 Student Guide 2021 in full here

These are Robin’s top-five Bristol favourites:

The view from Royal York Crescent

There are panoramic views across Bristol and beyond from Royal York Crescent in Clifton – photo: Martin Booth

“There’s a bench on Royal York Crescent where I’ve thought most of my deepest thoughts during my time in the city. I used to live just round the corner and said seating spot most probably has been left with grooves the shape of my bum from angsty evenings spent staring out across the gorgeous expanse of bustling metropolis.

“Not to mention, there’s nothing quite as seasonal as wandering down the crescent in December and having a little peak – sorry mum, you taught me better – through the huge bay windows at Christmas trees adorned in twinkling lights. Highly recommended as a cure for anyone who suffers from the afflictions of nosiness and curiosity.”

Mint tea at The Moorish Cafe

The Moorish Cafe is in the glass arcade at St Nick’s Market – photo: Martin Booth

“St Nick’s Market itself could be one of my favourites. I love the food, the atmosphere, the smells, the curiosities. However, my personal favourite is well and truly Moorish Cafe. The food is fantastic, and the tea is to die for.

“I’ve been planning a trip to Morocco ever since my first year of uni, but haven’t been able to make it because of Covid restrictions. So for the past few months, Moorish Cafe has been my little taste of Africa and has managed (only just) to curb those wanderlust-y cravings.”

Monday nights at Brass Pig

The Brass Pig is on the ground floor of the Clifton Heights tower – photo: Martin Booth

“Tragic, I know, but undeniably my favourite night of the week as a University of Bristol student. Nothing beats the incandescent joy experienced in Brass Pig on the Clifton Triangle as the opening bars of some trashy noughties banger or chart-topping tune blare into the ears of you and your closest (quite literally) and sweatiest friends.

“Fuelled by a toxic combination of Jager and Red Bull, these nights are marred by dignity loss, defined by silly mistakes and noted for sins that will be reminisced on for years to come.”

Bao buns at Woky Ko Rooftop

Woky Ko Rootop at Wapping Wharf shares a terrace with Seven Lucky Gods – photo: Martin Booth

“Martin Booth’s love of Wapping Wharf has most certainly rubbed off on me during my time at Bristol24/7. I’ve got to say, there is just something a bit fun about drinking beer and eating dainty, silky buns filled with an array of marinated delights from the top of an old shipping container.

“Woky Ko have taken Bristol by storm, but Woky Ko Rooftop is by far my favourite of their many locations. I recall a very happy summer evening stretched out by ordering one bun at a time and sampling them all.”

The Colston plinth

The Colston plinth remains empty – photo: Martin Booth

“Standing underneath the statue of Edward Colston as it was torn down and dragged into the docks by Black Lives Matter protesters was – without a doubt – the highlight of my career so far as a journalist. I will never forget the moment I realised I was quite literally watching history unfold in front of me.

“I can’t quite explain the pure feeling of electricity that was in the air, as well as the sense of community and solidarity that Bristolians shared that afternoon. It was a total privilege to talk to people who were there, and to listen to just how freeing and poignant it was for both groups and individuals.

“It was the first time I truly experienced the adrenaline rush of breaking news. I’ve been hooked ever since.”

Main photo: Robin Connolly (right) and Billy Stockwell (left)

Read more: Spread joy among your friends and Bristol will open its arms to you

Listen to Robin talking to Ian Downs about some of her favourite stories she has written for Bristol24/7 in the latest episode of the Behind the Headlines podcast: