People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Neil Johnston
Neil Johnston is a partner at Albert Goodman, an accountancy firm who are the principal sponsors of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta taking place from Friday to Sunday.
An expert in corporate audit and financial reporting, Neil leads audit innovation and technology enablement for Albert Goodman, whose Bristol office is on King Street.
These are Neil’s top-five Bristol favourites:
is needed now More than ever
Victoria Park
A Norbot sculpture painted by Emily Ketteringham is currently on display in Victoria Park – photo: Martin Booth
“I love the fact that people treat Victoria Park as an extension of their own gardens. There are always so many parties and barbecues there. It’s got a great skatepark now as well and is a place for everyone.”
Small Bar
Small Bar was the first Bristol bar opened by Left Handed Giant – photo: Martin Booth
“Small Bar on King Street has a great range of beers, friendly staff and is locally owned. It’s got a great inside space and a great outside space. I’d say I probably go there at least twice a week after work.”
Bristol Balloon Fiesta
A new tradition this year at the Balloon Fiesta as burners light in unison before take-off. The balloons are now lifting skyward and heading towards Bedminster if my calculations are correct. pic.twitter.com/qkoERz8XBh
— Martin Booth (@beardedjourno) August 8, 2025
“Bristol Balloon Fiesta is just an absolutely magical event. I think it’s phenomenal that it brings so many people to the city. One of the most important things to us at Albert Goodman was to keep it free for everyone and to continue the magic.”
The view from Cabot Tower
Cabot Tower was built in 1897 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s voyage from Bristol to Newfoundland – photo: Martin Booth
“I think the view from Cabot Tower is unsurpassed. You can see the whole city and the valley it sits within. And one of the things I love most about Bristol is that almost wherever you are, especially at the top of Cabot Tower, you can see some green space on the edges. You don’t feel as though you’re in a huge conurbation. It’s still a small city.”
Cycle paths
Segregated cycle paths for the win; just watch out for pigeons – photo: Martin Booth
“This might be a bit controversial but I think we’re really actually well set for cycle paths in Bristol, especially compared to lots of other parts of the UK. I appreciate we can’t exactly compete with the Dutch, but I love getting on cycle paths in Bristol; especially getting straight out to Clevedon in the summer after work and sitting and having a pint by the sea. That’s one of my favourite things to do to unwind.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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