People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Giles Coram
Giles Coram is the founder of Caper & Cure restaurant on Stokes Croft and Carmen Street Wine just around the corner off Ashley Road.
The father-of-three is also an actor who has appeared in several films and television shows.
These are Giles’ top-five Bristol favourites:
Horfield Common
The Ardagh sits at the heart of Horfield Common – photo: Ardagh Community Trust
“We moved to Bristol just over ten years ago and Horfield Common has been a place of retreat throughout the years. It’s the temptation to get the kids to the supermarket with the promise of playing in the park opposite afterwards, or a visit to the Gloucester Old Spot just round the corner for a pint or two, and walking home past the playground. From the top of the hill there are far reaching views over Bristol. The Ardagh, located in the middle of the common, has recently been refurbished and hosts a cracking cafe. And at the bottom, you can find a small conservation area. There are tennis and basketball courts, an old bowling green for picnics, and a great playpark for the kids. It’s a great inner city open space.”
The Lido
The Lido combines a restaurant with a swimming pool and spa facilities – photo: Lido
“The Lido in Clifton is an ideal lunch spot when you’re in need of a treat: have a swim, sit in the sunshine and enjoy some small plates at the poolside bar with a glass of wine or two. Or head upstairs where their restaurant overlooks the pool and enjoy the a la carte menu.”
The farms in St Werburgh’s
“There are three ‘farms’ in St Werburgh’s and if you walk from Muller Road, past the new Ashley Down train station and follow the pathway past the allotments towards Mina Road, you can visit them all. A stop at Chez Candice opposite Watercress Farm at Boiling Wells is definitely worth a visit for lunch, before heading back to St Werburgh’s City Farm, past all the contemporary and eccentric architecture; and on to the Farm on Hopetoun Road – a great pub with good beer and a lively garden.”
Stokes Croft
Were there ever once nine trees on Nine Tree Hill? – photo: Martin Booth
“I might be biased, but there’s so many great places to eat, drink and shop on (and just off) Stokes Croft. After the Covid slump, and the closure of a few venues, Stokes is full of life and vibrancy again. A few shout-outs to the Pipe & Slippers, Poco, Bianchis, Bokman, the Hare On The Hill, Cuts & Crepes and Wangs; the new openings of Steam and Last Chance Saloon; and the reopening of the Crofters.”
Bristol Old Vic foyer
Bristol Old Vic’s foyer reveals glimpses of the original theatre unseen for generations – photo: Haworth Tompkins
“The front-of-house area at Bristol Old Vic was renovated a few years ago, and it’s a brilliant venue to visit whether you’re watching a show or not. They’ve exposed old parts of the building that weren’t visible before, and they often have exhibitions and live music in the bar. There’s a real creative energy in the space.”
Main photo: Josh Campbell
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