
People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Sado Jirde
Sado Jirde is the director of Black South West Network (BSWN), a charity focused on human rights, equality, access to knowledge and socio-economic inclusion within the framework of advocating on behalf of black and minority ethnic communities.
Born to parents of Somali origin, Sado moved to the UK in 1999 to study at university. She started working at BSWN in 2007, and has been a leader on the discussion around inclusive growth and the role social investment could play in addressing economic inequality in Bristol.
Here are Sado’s top-five Bristol favourites:
is needed now More than ever
Watershed

Photo by Maia Templeton
“I often come to the Watershed cafe to work or for meetings. It has big tables, great wifi, and its unique location and atmosphere is always welcoming. The food is delicious and the layout of the space and ambience allows for both business and social gathering to occur at the same time. You can be guaranteed to spot someone on your list for catch up while responding to emails! They also show the most amazing, engaging and thought-provoking films that you can hardly find anywhere else.”
Bristol Festival of Ideas
“Bristol Festival of Ideas always brings the most amazing thinkers, writers, and politicians to the city, through their year-long programme of events on a diverse range of topics. For someone that loves debates and great conversations, it offers stimulating and inspiring opportunities to discuss topical issues and connect with likeminded people. And many of the larger events are free!”
St Mark’s Road

Photo by Maia Templeton
“The way this beautiful street combines different cultures is incredible. Sweet Mart for its delicious cuisine, and spices, authentic South Asian food at Thali and the beautiful mosque next door make this location so special and always an enjoyable place to visit.”
Real Habesha, Stapleton Road

Photo by Maia Templeton
“This newly opened Ethiopian restaurant has the most amazing traditional food for incredibly affordable prices. The brilliant service and traditional Ethiopian-inspired decor creates a very unique atmosphere, transporting you out of Bristol for a moment. I also recommend the traditional Ethiopian coffee.”
Redbrick House
“BSWN’s current office is stationed at this beautiful, professional and socially conscious space with an excellent community of thinkers, artists, scientists and entrepreneurs. We have been at Redbrick House on Wilder Street in St Paul’s for nearly a year and a half now and the work culture in the building makes it a joy to come to work.”
Read more: The Bristol pioneers working to improve representation in business