Columnists / Jake Heenan
‘Bristol truly feels like home to me’
“What is it you enjoy so much about Bristol?” is a question my wife Adele and I get asked a lot.
As adopted Bristolians from New Zealand and France, it’s difficult to articulate what makes this city so special. I could talk about the eclectic music scene, the iconic history, the independent venues.
But for us, it’s something more than that.
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In my time living in the heart of Bristol, playing professional rugby, I’ve seen first-hand the tremendous pride people have for their communities here.
It’s a place built on passionate people and entrepreneurial spirit. Where everybody comes together – irrespective of their football loyalties – to support the Bears.
Don’t take my word for it either; you can hear the roars of 20,000 people at Ashton Gate on matchday from as far away as Clifton Village.
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It’s the people that make a place. We’ve been so fortunate to meet incredible friends from all sorts of backgrounds through rugby and our cafe business, Burra.
The unwavering support, charity and good-natured willingness to muck in when the going gets tough is something so unique to Bristol.
It’s a city that prides itself on being fiercely independent. Quality food and drink is a staple of a Bristolian’s lifestyle and our team at Burra is constantly inspired by the ethical and sustainable innovations that the cafes, restaurants, bakeries and bars continue to deliver, raising standards for all of us.
With the Sporting Quarter development to come in BS3, it’s so exciting how the entertainment and hospitality landscape is going to evolve over the next few years.
To be able to take a stroll on a thriving harbourside and then, in less than ten minutes, enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Leigh Woods, Ashton Court, the Downs and Blaise Castle is a blessing for a born and raised Kiwi.
The outdoors – and the surf – is important to me, so it also helps to have Cornwall (and The Wave – thanks, Nick!) on our doorstep.
Look, it’s not all plain sailing. Real estate can be eye-watering and often my ten-minute commute to the High Performance Centre in Abbots Leigh can feel like a 45-minute battle against gridlock.
But it’s a small price to pay to be in a place that truly feels like home.
Bristol Bears 1st XV player and Burra co-owner Jake Heenan has recently signed a contract extension at Ashton Gate
Main photo: JMP
Read more columns by Jake Heenan:
- ‘The last two years have transformed my perspective on life and business’
- ‘There’s no silver bullet for becoming great in your field other than 100% effort’
- ‘The tools needed to run a successful business are synonymous with sport’
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