People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol favourites: Simon Moreton
Simon Moreton, an artist and zine maker, is one of the founders and organisers of the Bristol Comic and Zine Fair (BCZF), coming to The Station on October 3. Simon’s new book, Plans We Made, comes out this autumn from Uncivilized Books.
Find out more about Simon at www.smoo-comics.com.
Here are his top-five Bristol favourites:
The Avon
“I’ve lived in south Bristol for about seven years, and every day I’m surprised as I walk to and from work at the constant change of the New Cut; the way the tides shift, the way the weather changes the light on the water and the mud and the sky. I’ve seen kingfishers, cormorants and even a dipper here but I’m still waiting for an appearance from the crocodile.”
Roll for the Soul
“We don’t eat out that much, but cycle cafe and workshop Roll for the Soul is a bit of a favourite. The food is good, affordable and vegetarian which is great for us, plus they’re a social enterprise. For my sins, though, I don’t actually cycle. Other than a few wobbly outings, I’ve not ridden a bike in about 20 years. I do intend to change that, though. Roll for the Soul are also great supporters of BCZF, and we’ve had our after-fair get together there for the last few years.”
The old and new
“There’s something about walking around Bristol that I find calming. The way the city falls over itself with things past and things present all butted up together. I have a friend who is very up on his architectural history and is forever pointing out strange folds in brickwork and bits of building that have some significance. But even if you don’t know that stuff (which I don’t) there’s something about walking – and not even knowing where you’re going – that’s comforting. It makes lunch hours interesting and me late for appointments.”
The Bag o’ Nails
“This is my favourite pub in Bristol. The beer is kept well, there’s always a mix of people (and cats), and a record player with lots of great records to listen to. Landlord Luke has many and varied pub rules, but don’t worry: he’s a friendly soul, all miaow and no bite, and someone who cares a great deal about good beer and running a good pub. And cats.”
Bedminster and Ashton
“Whether it’s the green spaces left behind after mining on the other side of Winterstoke Road, the Avon Gorge on its course towards Pill, or pubs like the Coronation (above) and the Imp, I like living in this part of Bristol, not least because you can see Dundry Hill from our front door, while still being able to walk into town in the other direction. We also have an allotment out in Bedminster Down: so far we’ve grown two carrots and half a beetroot.”