People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Valentina Hernandez Gomez
Valentina Hernandez Gomez is Bristol24/7’s new Climate & Sustainability Editor.
Valentina studied Human Rights and Social Justice in Colombia before undertaking an MA in Journalism (Special Features) at UWE Bristol.
Valentina has reported on everything from human rights issues and sustainability to Latin American politics and cultural affairs.
is needed now More than ever
At Bristol24/7, Valentina will be bringing her passion for climate justice to her journalism, whether this is investigating council climate policy, holding businesses accountable, or highlighting ways people can be more sustainable in and around the city.
These are Valentina’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Yellow face lady mural
StinkFish’s mural is located above Om Burger on Stokes Croft – photo: Martin Booth
“One of the first assignments we got in my Master’s degree was to find news stories. I remember reading someplace on Twitter that a Colombian graffiti artist was repainting a mural in Stokes Croft, and that was a story! In a city well-known for being Banksy’s home, finding a fellow Colombian doing such a tremendous piece was moving. I even contacted the artist, StinkFish, and chatted with him about it. The Yellow Face Lady is also in the middle of Stokes Croft, a culturally rich and lively area.”
Bristol Cathedral garden
Bristol Cathedral garden is a calm oasis in the heart of the city centre – photo: Martin Booth
“I arrived in Bristol two weeks before the official start of the academic year. I needed the time to settle and process the fact I was moving across the globe by myself. I spent that time wandering around the city, getting to know every corner. That’s how I found this peaceful and secluded cafe and the cathedral’s garden. Any time I’m in need of peace, I love to go and walk around this majestic spot and sip a coffee afterwards.”
Society Cafe
Society Cafe boasts speciality coffee and views of the docks – photo: Lowie Trevena
“On my quest to find the best coffee in town – yes, I’m very picky about my coffee – I found this amazing spot on Narrow Quay. Society Cafe serves specialty coffee of the highest quality coffee that doesn’t have that bitter aftertaste. If you’re a coffee lover like myself, Society is your place to go.”
Purezza
The spacious restaurant on Gloucester Road specialises in high quality vegan pizzas – photo: Purezza
“I love walking everywhere, that’s how I found Purezza on Gloucester Road. In Colombia it is really hard to find vegan alternatives, more so vegan pizzas. Naturally, I was intrigued by the flavour. It amazed me and I definitely go there every chance I get. The staff are always lovely and that completes the experience.”
Eastville Park
Eastville Park is a favourite for dog watching – photo: Martin Booth
“As soon as the weather starts to get warmer, you’ll find me outside. Eastville has become my place to go after work or after an entire day at the library. I love to see people doing yoga, drinking, and basically enjoying themselves. There are also a couple of ping pong tables where I always smash my best friend. I’ve became the (self-proclaimed) ping pong queen.”
Main photo: Valentina Hernandez Gomez
Read more: My Bristol Favourites: Tony Benjamin
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