News / Bristol
Daily Telegraph calls Bristol ‘most annoying city in Britain’
A Daily Telegraph commentator has achieved the remarkable distinction of making Bristol sound like a wonderful place to live while attempting to slam it as “the most annoying city in Britain”.
“Enjoying Bristol increasingly feels like sharing a flat with somebody wearing jute trousers who constantly explains why your favourite brand of toothpaste is perpetuating colonialism, and your choice of Earl Grey tea directly contributes to the ongoing war in Gaza,” writes Sean Thomas.
“And don’t get me on to the statue-topplers.”
Thomas’ irrational ire has been prompted by the SS Great Britain site changing its name to Bristol Dockyards.
His indignation then extends to include topography, Brutalist architecture, street art, cargo bikes, artisan bakeries and shipping containers.
Thomas – a novelist, journalist and travel writer – says the Green-led council “evinces an air of moral superiority combined with the practical efficiency of a butter knife made of butter”.
“Every ordinance is swaddled in worthy language about community engagement and global solidarity, before somehow producing another bus lane with request stops for muggers.
“Trees are hugged. Cyclists are cherished. Stroud is worshipped. Cars are regarded as radioactive waste.”
‘Tree brides’ attempted unsuccessfully to protect the trees on the former caravan site at Baltic Wharf – photo: Rob Browne
Thomas adds that “the irony is that Bristol remains a genuinely wonderful city beneath all this irksomeness”.
“The harbour is handsome; Clifton is glorious; Brunel’s suspension bridge remains one of Europe’s most elegant and exhilarating structures.
“It has excellent pubs, pukka music and enough independent restaurants to keep a keen food critic occupied until late retirement.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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