People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: John Drysdale
John Drysdale is the co-founder of Small St Espresso which is celebrating its tenth birthday on Monday.
Since opening their first cafe in 2012, John and Chris Chubb have gone on to open Little Victories in Wapping Wharf and Small Goods in Temple Quay.
These are John’s top-five Bristol favourites:
North Street and Dean Lane mini roundabout trifecta
Sweven now roasts its own coffee – photo: Martin Booth
“Sweven serves unbelievably good coffee in a serene minimalist space. We take a family trip down to there on a Sunday morning and stare out the window to people-watch on North Street. Then we wait for the shutters to open at Toyville over the road and spend a happy half hour browsing the toys and deciding what we’re getting for Christmas. Then my daughter rides off her energy at the Dean Lane skatepark.”
Troopers Hill
Troopers Hill on a crisp morning – photo: Ellie Pipe
“The views from the top of Troopers Hill are incredible. The heather-covered slopes and ridges of the old quarry and mine, along with the smelting tower standing in splendid isolation on top of the hill combine to create an otherworldly landscape close to the centre of Bristol. There are also great walks down to the river and along to Conham River Park if you want to make a full day out.”
The Oxford
Totterdown resident John’s local pub is the Oxford – photo: Martin Booth
“The Oxford has excellent Beer, lots of live music, and friendly staff/and clientele. Unfailingly a great atmosphere whenever you go in. A pretty perfect local.”
Wake the Tiger
“Wake the Tiger is an immersive mind-tripping experience on the edge of St Phillip’s. Definitely worth a few hours to try to take it all in. The cafe at the end with toy trains running around the walls is an excellent way to finish.”
Haunted & Hidden Bristol walk
The Haunted & Hidden tour reveals a darker side to Bristol’s history – photo: Yuup
“Haunted & Hidden Bristol is a ghost- and horror-filled walk around the city centre with loads of fascinating historical info sneaking in. The host John is great fun and has an anecdote for every building on the walk.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
- Small St Espresso celebrates 10 years
- My Bristol Favourites: Chris Chubb
- My Bristol Favourites: Tasha Ebbs
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