People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Carrie Browne
Carrie Browne is co-director of Bristol Community Ferry Boats, who on Monday will be celebrating International Women in Maritime Day by recognising the women working across its organisation including skippers, crew, operational staff, maintenance coordination and leadership roles.
While women make up only 19 per cent of the global maritime workforce, Bristol Community Ferry Boats is helping change that picture, with women making up half of the team and the organisation being led by two female directors, Carrie and Roisin Tobin-Brooke.
These are Carrie’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Beese’s
Beese’s tea gardens off Wyndham Crescent in Brislington opened in 1864 – photo: Martin Booth
“Beese’s is definitely one of Bristol’s hidden gems. Arriving by boat on a summer evening feels like stepping out into the countryside rather than staying in the middle of a city. One of my favourite moments on the harbour is rounding the bend upriver and seeing the gardens come into view. The pace instantly slows down. There’s always a brilliant atmosphere waiting for you too, with fantastic food, good music and people making the most of a summer evening by the river. An added bonus is that dogs are welcome, meaning Bristol Ferry mascot Ziggy often gets to come along for the trip and relax by the river too.”
Underfall Yard
Underfall Yard is always a sought-after spot – photo: Martin Booth
“Underfall Yard holds a special place in my heart. Before the fire, we had our maintenance shed based there and I loved seeing vessels being restored using traditional maritime skills that are becoming increasingly rare. It’s one of those places that quietly keeps Bristol’s harbour heritage alive. We’re hoping to return there once the rebuild is complete. In the meantime, the maintenance team and I still end up planning our yearly maintenance schedules in the cafe over a plate of their highly recommended dirty fries.”
Chance & Counters
What will you choose to play at Chance & Counters? – photo: Martin Booth
“I often take my teenage daughter and her friends to Chance & Counters on Gloucester Road. It’s one of those places where hours disappear without you noticing. Great food, brilliant staff and absolutely chaotic board games in the best possible way. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza; mainly because nobody can get through a round without shouting and laughing. Chance & Counters has become one of our go-to places when we want to properly switch off together.”
Bristol Ferry Boats harbour history tours
Chris Badley is one of the guide’s on Bristol Ferry Boats’ harbour history tours – photo: Bristol Ferry Boats
“One of the best and most unique ways to see Bristol has to be from the water. The harbour history tours give you a completely different perspective on the city and its past. Even after years of working on the harbour, I still hear stories and facts I didn’t know. The commentary brings Bristol’s history to life, from the working docks and engineering feats to the people who shaped the harbour over generations. You come away seeing familiar places very differently.”
Netham Lock
Netham Lock is the entrance to the Feeder Canal and the Floating Harbour – photo: Martin Booth
“Netham Lock feels like one of Bristol’s hidden engineering secrets. When I get the chance to head into the office early, I often jump on our commuter service because it’s one of the most peaceful ways to start the day. The city feels surprisingly quiet from the water in the morning. You’ll often spot wildlife along the riverbanks and it’s hard to believe you’re only minutes from the city centre. It’s a side of Bristol many people never get to experience.”
Main photo: Carrie Browne
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