People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Leonor Guimaraes
Leonor Guimaraes is Events Manager at Bristol24/7 and also works for Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, M Shed and Lady of the House.
Leonor is currently working hard to prepare for two International Women’s Day events on March 8 at M Shed during the day and Bristol Museum into the night.
She grew up in Portugal, in the city of Famalicão between Porto and Braga, and moved to Bristol in 2019 when she channelled her passion for women’s rights into founding the ALICE Project, an initiative driving gender equality.
is needed now More than ever
A lover of dance and electronic music, Leonor says she embraces her ADHD as a creative force, exploring everything from music production to DJing while constantly launching new projects.
These are Leonor’s top-five Bristol favourites:
The Plough and the Chelsea
The Chelsea Inn regularly hosts live music – photo: Chelsea Inn
“These two pubs in Easton are proper local pubs where you can still meet old-school Bristolians. They are where I catch the best and most intimate gigs with that unmistakable Bristol vibe. It’s where I have the best conversations about what Bristol was like before all the madness of newcomers. And it’s also where I feel most at home. No matter what kind of day I’ve had, a night in the Plough or in the Chelsea always makes it better.”
Summer nights outside the Arnolfini
Drinking outside the Arnolfini in the summer with your legs dangling over the docks is a rite of passage – photo: Buoy
“Stunning summer sunsets and an incredible atmosphere for a perfect evening, often with Bristol’s signature touch: someone blasting drum’n’bass from a speaker. This is my go-to spot on summer days and the perfect place to meet someone before heading home after work. There’s something magical about watching the sun go down over the harbour while the city sings around you.”
The Garden of Easton
The Garden of Easton promises a “plant-filled, rustic destination for artful meals & drinks celebrating locally sourced ingredients” – photo: The Garden of Easton
“The Garden of Easton is a beautifully charming indoor garden with outstanding food and where I have the best dinners with friends. They serve amazing cocktails, and the staff are super friendly and helpful. I know them all by now! No matter the season, it always feels like the perfect little hideaway from the city.”
Conham River Park
Conham River Park follows the winding route of the River Avon – photo: Martin Booth
“Conham River Park is ideal for walks and chilled-out days. Sometimes I come here for a stroll, other times just to lie in the sun. It’s my go-to spot when I need a peaceful moment without the chaos of Beeses. It’s my little escape near the city, right by the water. Every time I come here, I feel like I’ve found a secret slice of nature hidden within the city.”
St Paul’s Carnival
“St Paul’s Carnival is the best party in Bristol, celebrating the city’s rich African and Caribbean heritage. It’s the one day of the year when I always invite friends from outside Bristol, and they’re always left speechless. In Europe, we often associate carnival with the madness of Brazil, and while this one is wild too, it’s much more intimate. The energy, the music, the food. It’s a day that truly feels like the heart of Bristol.”
Main photo: Emily Brown
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