People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Amber Reed
Amber Reed won the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup with England and spent her entire club career with her hometown team of Bristol.
After retiring in May, she was appointed Bristol Bears Women assistant coach which will see her working across Bears Women and the University of Bristol women’s rugby club.
These are Amber’s top-five Bristol favourites:
is needed now More than ever
Mokoko
Mokoko currently have two cafes and bakeries in Bristol, and will be opening a new site at Brabazon in early 2026 – photo: Martin Booth
“If I’m going for coffee and a pastry, it’s Mokoko, hands down. Just great coffee and the best almond croissant I’ve ever had. The one at Temple Quay usually has a few more options and then nearby, I also love Hart’s Bakery. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, you might not know it’s even there, but they also do great coffee and some unbelievable savoury snacks and sweet treats as well.
Wapping Wharf
The Athenian is one of Amber’s favourite places in Wapping Wharf – photo: Martin Booth
“I love Wapping Wharf. It’s probably my favourite area in Bristol just because of the vibe, especially if the weather is nice. You can go with a group of mates and it’s always so hard to work out what you want to eat. I love the Athenian with their Greek gyros but I think my top is probably Seven Lucky Gods. Their Korean fried chicken and katsu curry arancini live rent-free in my head all the time.”
North Street
North Street remains a haven of independent businesses – photo: Martin Booth
“North Street is a little bit more edgy and more artsy. It’s changed quite a bit over the last few years with more independent places going there. The Tobacco Factory do a great quiz in the week, they do good food and they also have the Sunday market. And on the ground floor now, Mark’s Bakery is another unbelievable place as well. One of the things I love about Bristol is yes, there are chains, but you can choose so many independent vintage shops, cafes and food places. For me, that epitomises what Bristol is about.”
Ashton Gate
“After 16 years, my last home game for Bristol was at Ashton Gate against Exeter. To finish my Bristol career at Ashton Gate will always be really special to me. Every game I played in a Bristol jersey was super special and I also had the opportunity to run out in an England shirt against Wales at Ashton Gate. As a Bristol girl, that was also very special. I think this city shows up for those big events and that’s why I love being a Bristolian. I’m super proud of that and hopefully over the next two weekends, we will see that in full voice as well for this Women’s Rugby World Cup.”
Fishponds
Fishponds is where Amber grew up and she still lives nearby – photo: Martin Booth
“I grew up in Fishponds and I still live quite close. My mum still lives in the same house but Fishponds is very different to what it used to be with Fed and the Crafty Egg and the Porto Lounge which has moved into a new space now that’s three times the size because you never used to be able to get a seat. Because I only live five minutes’ away, I can go to Fishponds not into town to get a good coffee, or just go to sit and chill and eat something. Like I said, I’m super proud to be Bristolian. I love being from this city. I think it’s a really cool place and to see Fishponds change for the better and move a bit more in line with the rest of the city is very cool.”
Tickets are still available for the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals in Bristol and Exeter this weekend. To make sure you don’t miss out, visit tickets.rugbyworldcup.com. For the latest tournament updates and fixture details, visit rugbyworldcup.com/2025
Main photo: Martin Booth
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