People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Mabe Chauca
Mabe Chauca is the Editor of the upcoming Bristol24/7 Student Guide.
She grew up in Arequipa, the second largest city in Peru, and moved to Bristol to finish her undergraduate studies at UWE.
These are Mabe’s top-five Bristol favourites:
is needed now More than ever
Rova
Find independent magazines; books on contemporary art, design and culture; and cult stationery at Rova – photo: Rosa Gilder
“I’ve been a big fan of stationery since I was a child. The only one to blame for this is my mum, who always carries a cute little notebook tucked in her purse. Rova on Christmas Steps has a beautiful display of stationery. It’s where I bought my favourite pen and I keep coming back whenever I run out of ink, which is great because I don’t have to buy a new pen again! You can also find all sorts of independently published magazines and coffee-table books in this shop. So whenever I’m out of breath after going up Christmas Steps, I stop in Rova to browse what’s new.”
The People’s Republic of Stokes Croft
The People’s Republic of Stokes Croft works to promote civil liberty with a particular focus on public space – photo: Martin Booth
“I could write infinitely more things about why I love the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft. Like its artsy vibe, how welcoming the environment feels or its activism to promote civil liberty. But what I like the most is how connected to reality and community-based the PRSC is. I believe art has its own way of fighting against ongoing issues and you can see it in many exhibitions displayed throughout the year in this venue. They also have free or low-cost workshops and provide support for vulnerable communities. For me, the PRSC is one of those places that keeps me hopeful about the future of community.”
Morales Latin Market
Shop for groceries, and enjoy coffee and brunch at Morales Latin Market – photo: Martin Booth
“In my never-ending quest to find a Peruvian restaurant in Bristol, I encountered Morales Latin Market in the heart of Stokes Croft. This is the only place that automatically transports me home. I found pasta de ají amarillo, which I add to absolutely everything I cook because this is the base for most Peruvian dishes. I also like to grab some to-go nibbles, like empanadas. A market with products not only from Peru but from all of Latin America is an absolute hug for my soul.”
Better Food
Better Food’s shop on Gaol Ferry Steps is one of four in Bristol – photo: Martin Booth
“Better Food is the greenest grocery store I have ever seen. When I first walked by their shop in Wapping Wharf, it was as if the plants were calling my name. Once inside, I couldn’t resist exploring the whole store, and I found everything from natural hygiene products to – once again – Peruvian food. You can imagine how happy I was when I discovered that I could support a local business while buying ethically produced ingredients all the way from my country. I highly recommend trying their selection of Spanish oranges; they are simply delicious.”
Eastwood Farm Local Nature Reserve
Eastwood Farm Local Nature Reserve is a wildlife haven by the side of the River Avon – photo: Daniel Garrod
“I discovered this beautiful and not-so-hidden spot in the middle of the heatwave when I took the number one bus all the way to Wyndham Crescent in Brislington, and after a short walk, I was surrounded by a green landscape with a refreshing river running through it. Eastwood Farm is the perfect place to lie down in the sun and relax by yourself or with some friends.”
Main photo: Austin Funnell
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