People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Evelyn Heis
Evelyn Heis is the assistant manager and events coordinator at Max Minerva’s bookshop in Henleaze.
This year, Evelyn is collaborating with the Booker Prize foundation to showcase her experience as an independent bookseller, reading and reviewing the International Booker Prize longlist and sharing the behind-the-scenes processes within retail on the leadup to the ceremony.
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These are Evelyn’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Hatter House Cafe
Hatter House Cafe on Clare Street promises “something for everyone to enjoy and love” – photo: Martin Booth
“I moved to Bristol in 2020, when we had just come out of lockdown, about a month before starting my undergraduate degree. Having moved to a new and unknown city, I took refuge in the coffee shop that was just around the corner from my flat and stumbled upon a hidden gem in Bristol;s coffee scene. For almost five years now, Hatters has been my go-to.
“Hatter House Cafe was established in 2018, after its owners came all the way from Damascus, Syria. Taking its name after the previous store that sat in that exact spot in Bristol, a hat making and repair shop, Hatters found inspiration in the similarities of both crafts. With both requiring a lot of time, effort and passion, Hatters decided the name was the perfect fit for their store.
“They have since opened their second branch in Broadmead, which happens to be even closer to where I now live! Long may my Hatter House Cafe obsession reign.”
Watershed
You might find a comment from Evelyn on the Watershed comments board – photo: Martin Booth
“When I am not burying my nose into a book, there is nothing that I love more than going to the cinema and losing myself to a film. I am continuously in awe of the great selection of other-language films, cultural events, and independent cinema that is showcased in Watershed.
“Whether rain or shine, you will catch me there on the weekend branching out into a new and eclectic film (and leaving a review on the notice board).”
Arnos Vale Cemetery
Arnos Vale Cemetery is full of secret corners – photo: Hannah Massoudi
“I would like to preface this by saying I do not perform seances nor do I attempt to disrupt any of the dead in Arnos Vale Cemetery when I visit. I merely enjoy walking through the cemetery, into the wooded and very lush, green areas.
“There’s a little nook, deep into the forest, where I frequently sit and just look up at the overstory of the trees, immersing myself in green and blocking out the blue skies. I find there’s something incredibly serene about walking through cemeteries and it can be a great place to ponder about life.”
La Scala
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“I can’t think of a better pairing than books and coffee. Can you?”
“Nestled in the heart of Henleaze’s high street, La Scala is an Italian-owned deli and cafe that specialises in bringing the flavours of Italy to our very doorstep. Originally from Rome, La Scala’s owner, Xavier, is best known for his monthly regional wine tastings paired with artisan meats, cheeses and other specialty ingredients imported from Italy. While I’m yet to attend one of these renowned wine nights, I look forward to getting my daily coffee fix from La Scala as it’s conveniently only a few doors down from the bookshop where I work.
“There’s a real family feel in La Scala. From the extremely lively and friendly staff to the array of Italian confectionaries up for grabs, sitting in and people-watching is one of my favourite ways to pass the time.”
Royal Fort Gardens
Royal Fort Gardens is owned by the University of Bristol – photo: Milan Perera
“As soon as the sun starts shining in Bristol, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than curling up on Royal Fort Gardens with a packed lunch and a good book. It’s another one of Bristol’s gorgeous green spots and it offers a real variety of wild plant and birdlife. There’s a huge tree in the middle of the hills that provides the perfect shade for mid-afternoon reading. I used to visit this spot a lot while I was studying, but it’s even nicer to frequent when you’re not swamped with deadlines and you can actually bask in the sun and take in the scenery!”
Main photo: Max Minerva’s
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