Suzanne Rolt is director of St George’s, one of Bristol’s leading concert halls with an international reputation for its outstanding acoustics.

Every Friday and Saturday in August, St George’s are hosting the inaugural Summer Garden Series in their gardens, with live music, food, outdoor bars and cocktails by The Rummer Hotel.

Here are Suzanne’s top-five Bristol favourites:

Books for Amnesty

“I’m a real fan of the Gloucester Road and no weekend is complete without a leisurely stroll along its shops and cafes. My number one destination is always the same: Books for Amnesty. It has a wonderfully wide ranging collection of second-hand books and the fact that all profits go to support Amnesty’s work is a huge bonus. I’ve nicknamed it The Magic Bookshop because there’s something uncanny about the way that books you’ve been trying to hunt down for years suddenly turn up at just the right moment – almost as if they’ve been seeking you out rather than the other way round! There can be a poignancy too when the shelves swell with a new collection of books and you find yourself wondering about their previous owner and how they came to be parted from them.”

Simply Thai

“Further along the Gloucester Road there’s one of my favourite Bristol restaurants, Simply Thai. I love the relaxed simplicity of the place combined with the consistently good, freshly cooked food. I have no idea if it’s strictly authentic or toned down for Bristol palates (I crave the burn of citrus and chilli and I’ve yet to be disappointed) but who cares when you can enjoy a modestly priced, delicious meal and bring your own wine to boot. I also love the fact that it seems to be run by an all-female, multi generational family who work incredibly well together, tend a little shrine on the counter and always give you the warmest of welcomes. I hope it never succumbs to a slick makeover because it’s perfect just as it is.”

The Lido

“In an ideal world I’d sign up to an annual membership of the stylish open air pool at The Lido and swim every day, but as I’ve never succeeded in keeping to a rigorous exercise regime, I content myself with just dipping in when I feel the need to recharge the batteries. I love the sensation of lowering myself into the icy water. If anyone tells you it’s not cold, don’t believe them. And if it’s raining, or even hailing as it was when I was there last, so much the better. The coldness of the water revives you and makes your skin feel soft and tingly. Or perhaps the tingling is brought on by the glass of prosecco you can indulge in as part of their afternoon tea and swim package. Mind you, the clotted cream scone may be sensational but it tends to wipe out all the hard work of those repetitive lengths.”

RWA

“I spend a large part of my life attending concerts at St George’s but in recent times I’ve become increasingly entranced by the RWA, or Royal West of England Academy to give it its full name. This is a gem of a building with the most beautiful, light infused galleries. It’s been a bit over-looked in the past but it’s really coming into its own now and the recent The Power of the Sea exhibition was outstanding. It’s the perfect destination if you find yourself at a loss on a weekend afternoon. It also boasts the most incredible balcony where you’re perfectly placed to gaze out over the city and just soak in the sun and the views.”

St James Priory

“St James Priory is the oldest building in Bristol and, for me, the most beautiful. I find it incredibly moving just to be able to sit quietly and to enjoy a few minutes of solitude and reflection. Inside it’s very simply furnished and the altar is a stone plinth surrounded by countless flickering candles. You don’t need to be religious to sense that this is a special place where you feel connected to the past and to something greater than yourself. A great place to go if you need to get things into perspective.”