My Bristol favourites: Jon Craig

Jon Craig is a photographer who has covered Bristol events from riots to dancing dockside cranes. He is currently exhibiting photographs alongside Stephen Portlock and Mark Hayward in an exhibition at Room 212 on the Gloucester Road taking advantage of autumn’s softer colours to explore Bristol in a new light.

“Choosing just five favourites is not the easiest of quests as there are so many places, hotspots, retreats, rivers, walkways, bars, restaurants and things to do in Bristol,” Jon says. “Let’s face it, have you ever known a city that provides so much for so many so often, all year round?”

So after some serious deliberation, here are Jon’s top-five Bristol favourites:

Eat Drink Bristol Fashion

“For me, the awesomely flavoursome spectacular and unique Eat Drink Bristol Fashion in Queen Square now marks the start of the event scene in Bristol is. As if Luke Hasell from The Community Farm and Josh Eggleton from the Pony & Trap didn’t have enough on their plate (no pun intended), they bring together top chefs, food, music, drink and just sheer brilliance in the most atmospheric fine dining experience as well as catering for all with taps, burgers and bar snacks. It’s definitely a date for the calendar.”

Floating Harbour

“Any part of the docks is a must for locals and visitors alike. What’s not to like about a quiet stroll around the Cumberland Basin, through the Underfall Yard, nip into the Pump House, the Nova Scotia or an early morning coffee in Lockside or a cheerful top-up at Brunel’s Buttery. Running, walking, taking a ferry ride or a canoe, and now, SUP Bristol and their paddleboarding. It’s worth taking a look at Bristol from the water once in a while.”

Watershed

“Work, rest or play, recreation or business, where you’ll find me most of the time is glued to one of the seats in the Watershed. It’s a great place to work from, see a film, attend an event, do something interesting or just relax in one of Bristol’s most established media centre cum bar cum cinema cum restaurant. Great service from a great team serving up a simple yet deliciously tasty menu.”

The people

“Where would this city be without its people? I love the people of Bristol. We are bursting with ideas, technology, history, art, recreation, start-up business, entrepreneurs, wealth, rich in culture, diversity, poetry, comedy, music and even our own local currency. Let’s face it, without every person who calls Bristol home, we wouldn’t be anywhere near amazing as we are.”

Stokes Croft, Cheltenham Road and Gloucester Road

“True or not that Gloucester Road is the longest road of independent shops in Europe, it’s fair to say that anything you ever want or need can be found from either end. With The Attic venue in Stokes Croft to artists, fruit and veg, coffee shops, and gifts in Room 212. It’s the centre of all things Bristol. And from a photography angle, you can pick out street life, history, culture, graffiti, Banksy, Inkie and just about anything you’re looking for to add a little rawness to your images. Including the odd riot.”