People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Katy J Pearson
Singer-songwriter Katy J Pearson has recently released her debut album, Return, via Heavenly Recordings.
Return, which was named as album of the day by BBC 6 Music, was written over the course of two-and-a-half years, between Katy’s parents’ house in Stroud, her Bristol bedroom and The Island.
The album is just as shaped by the South West as the rich musical history of America’s southern states, with Pearson – formerly in Ardyn with her twin brother, Rob – saying that “these are the most honest and proper songs I’ve written; songs that have come from my own being, rather than a room with a guy prodding me to tell a traumatic story of my life and then write about it”
These are Katy’s top-five Bristol favourites:
The Old England
The garden of the Old England is believed to be the only British pub to feature full-sized cricket nets. The originals were erected in Victorian times for WG Grace – photo: Martin Booth
“The Old E in Montpelier is my local and favourite drinking spot in Bristol. Before bar manager Bruce’s untimely departure it was just the most wonderful community atmosphere and some brilliant gigs have happened there over the years in the little live room out the back. It’s now been taken over and I’ve heard worrying rumours that they want to turn it into a family friendly pub… which CANNOT happen!”
Goat Gully
Six Kashmir goats from north Wales were introduced into the area of the Avon Gorge known as the Gully in 2011 – photo: Barbara Evripidou / 111 Places in Bristol That You Shouldn’t Miss
“Up by the Downs, Goat Gully is just the most beautiful place. The goats are fantastic and the view is to die for.”
The Hillgrove
The Hillgrove is a Dawkins pub that throughout lockdown is continuing to serve a selection of ales, lager and cider in one-litre takeaway bottles – photo: Martin Booth
“The Hillgrove on Dove Street in Kingsdown is such a wonderful pub. I worked a few shifts there before lockdown. They play great music on vinyl, have a wonderful selection of craft ales and all of the staff are great.”
The walk from St Andrew’s to Stoke Park
“This walking route is one of my faves to clear the head as it takes you through all types of scenery, and it’s just so great to have such a big park full of nature so close to my doorstep.”
St Andrew’s Park
St Andrew’s Park is a slassic Victorian neighbourhood park just a walk from Gloucester Road – photo: Martin Booth
“St Andrew’s Park is my go-to summer spot to have a walk and read my book. In summer, bands even sometimes play acoustically. It’s always got such a great atmosphere.”
Main photo: Seryn Carys
Read more: Lockdown 2.0 Diaries: BS6 – Montpelier, St Andrew’s, Cotham and Redland
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