People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Kalisha and Aleena Patel
Sisters Aleena and Kalisha Patel are the directors and co-founders of Bake It!, Bristol’s first baking competition experience which is now open on East Street in Bedminster.
Aleena previously worked as a baker in London and a pastry chef in Australia, while Kalisha worked in the hospitality industry for many years.
“I’m really proud of Bake It! and it’s great to be able to do it as a family,” Aleena said. “There’s not many people that can say ‘I’ve started a business with my sister’. It feels really special.”
is needed now More than ever
These are Kalisha and Aleena’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Tobacco Factory
The Tobacco Factory was instrumental in the resurgence of this corner of south Bristol – photo: Martin Booth
Kalisha and Aleena: “We’re here pretty much every weekend for their Sunday Market. So much variety, supporting loads of independent businesses and the food is always a hit. It’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday. They’ve also got a bunch of other things happening throughout the week. There’s never a dull time at the Tobacco Factory!”
Hugo’s
Hugo’s on North Street promises a “mini tour of local farms, Europe’s best food markets and our specialist suppliers” – photo: Martin Booth
Kalisha: “If you’re looking for delicious, fresh produce then get yourself down to Hugo’s greengrocer on North Street. The staff are always a delight and the food speaks for itself. It’s a small yet mighty place that we go to if we’re looking for something a little special to cook with.”
Bristol Loaf
The Bristol Loaf has three sites across our city – photo: Martin Booth
Aleena: “You’re probably spotting a trend that our favourites are all surrounding food. But food really is what we love! The Bristol Loaf on Bedminster Parade is at the other end of East Street from the Bake It! Bristol site and that ten-minute walk is a small price to pay for a delicious sweet treat. They have a great range of pastries and I’ve probably tried far too many at this point. Also, the vibe in there is just lovely: the greenery, the view of the bakers working away. It’s always busy but still a nice spot to relax.”
Victoria Park
Victoria Park is open at all times – photo: Martin Booth
Aleena: “I’ve recently moved and Victoria Park is a couple of minutes away from me. Things have been really very hectic with starting up Bake It! Bristol so this park has been a haven for me. I try to take a walk around it when I can and it instantly calms me. Nature, hills and greenery are hard to come by in London so it’s nice to now be so close to an escape from the chaos.”
Wapping Wharf
You are never short of food and drink options in Wapping Wharf – photo: Martin Booth
Kalisha: “There’s so many lovely independent places around Wapping Wharf. I don’t think I could pick one above the rest. Delicious food to enjoy right by the harbour, whether it’s a quick coffee stop or sitting down in one of the shipping container restaurants. Wapping Wharf is just such a vibrant place to be.”
Main photo: Jodie Buck
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