People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Josephine Gyasi
Josephine Gyasi is creative producer at Knowle West Media Centre and inclusion officer at Artspace Lifespace.
Other projects she is part of and supports include Sun Kissed Youth and Black Girl Convention, while she is also co-founder of record label and event series Club Djembe who have a monthly radio show on SWU.FM.
Josephine also recently started an associate lecturer role at UWE Bristol, tutoring product design students. “I feel absolutely privileged to be able to support the students through the very degree I moved to Bristol to study,” she said. “As well as be the representation we need to see.”
These are Josephine’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Caribbean Croft
Caribbean Croft serves food passed down through the family owners and a selection of rums from around the world – photo: Martin Booth
“What’s not to love? Delicious and WELL PORTIONED Caribbean food, great vibes, beautiful staff and banging cocktails. Caribbean Croft on Stokes Croft has a special place in my heart, not only because I was part of the initial team when they first opened, but also because Chef always makes sure that my mac n’ cheese is extra crispy on top. (I dare you to make the same request)”
Greenbank Cemetery
Greenbank Cemetery was the first large cemetery after Arnos Cemetery to be set up in Bristol in 1871 – photo: Martin Booth
“My favourite place? A cemetery? Yes, a cemetery. If you live in east Bristol, or specifically Greenbank – you will know that the cemetery is actually the place to be on a lunchtime walk or even a late night walk. The landscape of Greenbank Cemetery is actually so beautiful; it almost feels like a maze. It’s the closest green space to me, so absolutely necessary to visit frequently as I love being amongst nature! Also, I’m always guaranteed to see a neighbour. Some human interaction? Yes please.”
C&T Licata & Son
Carmelo and Teresa Licata came to Bristol from Sicily in 1957 and opened their shop on Picton Street in Montpelier in 1959 – photo: Martin Booth
“One thing that’s great about Bristol is the endless variety of (not packaged) fresh food shops. This little Italian shop situated was my absolute go-to when I lived nearby, and I still make the effort to drop in, say hello and grab a delicious warm arancini ball. The family that run Licata are so welcoming and stock the best variety of fresh high quality Italian food.”
Bristol & Bath Railway Path
The Bristol & Bath Railway Path is a 13-mile off road route between Bristol and Bath – photo: Martin Booth
“Having the Bristol & Bath Railway Path on my doorstep has been an absolute blessing and has done wonders for my physical and mental health. I am a keen cyclist, walker and all-round mover so having accessible and adequate space to cycle without cars or Bristol traffic means that I can run free, sing my heart out and enjoy a good view – hassle free.”
Purdown BT Tower
Purdown BT Tower is a 70.1 metres tall telecommunications tower built in 1970 in Stoke Park – photo: Martin Booth
“It’s got to be one of the most noticeable towers in Bristol. But I’m not overly gassed by the actual tower. If you venture that way you are blessed with an amazing view of Bristol (minus the motorway). However, the yellow castle (otherwise known as the Dower House in Stoke Park) does gives me PTSD from travelling to uni on the m3 bus. But who doesn’t like to reminisce and reflect on how far they’ve come!”
Main photo: Tasha Hylton
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