4 months in Bristol

LaCathedrale_UK

Looks like I've volunteered to consult 2-3 days per week in Bristol for the next four months.

Anything I should know about areas to investigate, avoid, or good sources of info on things to do? The job is a couple of miles to the NE of the city centre.

Got a budget for £140/night hotel and £25/night entertainment, so any pointers in the former would be gladly appreciated.

RMJ

BrisVegas

Clifton/Redlands is the posh bit but a decent walk into town.

Docks area is nice and is pretty central.

joneve

This ^^ 

plenty of places to eat in the city centre or up in Clifton too. 

DrCornelius

I'm jealous, it's a great city and Clifton has a lovely village feel but is walkable into town too. I can imagine it's a pretty expensive part to stay in though.

thumpingrug

The Cotham area is ok, bit close to the hospitals so tends to be a bit Dr ish.  Easier walk into town though parking can be a pain.  

LaCathedrale_UK

The office is in the NE - if I'm not staying there am I going to get smashed with commuting across?

RMJ

When you say NE where exactly

LaCathedrale_UK

Emersons Green, looks like?

Headphones

Commuting is a challenge in Brizzle, though maybe I understate...

Any distance across the northern side of town is slow from around 0630 to 0930, the ring road is largely designed as a traffic flow impediment (save by helo).  The train is popular and crowded, but works reasonably if you are on a hub/spoke commute.

RMJ

LaCathedrale_UK said:

Emersons Green, looks like?

Ah...that's not ideal for getting in and out of town. You're on the ring road so I guess bussing it is an option if you stayed centrally. I don't know that area particularly well.....

dano

Keep out of Fishponds. That's what I mostly remember from Bristol.

DrJazzTap

They've just opened the new bus which goes directly into town from Emerson's green. 

maltingsaudio

There is a premier Inn with carvery attached in Emerson green and the horseshoe in Downend a spit away which has live bands

LaCathedrale_UK

Thanks chaps - I'll be driving rather than public transport (since I live down by Caterham so just a nip around the M25 and then across, otherwise a 4hr odyssey with multiple busses, trains and cabs) so public transport only a factor if I go on the raz!

designerseye88

I Iive 5 mins from Emersons Green and work in the centre, Bristol is a great city and lots to do here. Feel free to ask any questions...

Theres nowhere specific to avoid, Bristol is a very cultured city and feels like a small version of London (lived there for a few years). The best places to spend a weekend are by the docks or up on the Downs, both great open spaces. If it's raining Cabot Circus is good for shopping and the cinema etc. For fine dining Clifton has some of the best restaurants. There's some good music shops too and Bristol is pretty close to Bath which is a great day out. 


Feel free to drop me a message if you want to know anything specific. 

Heartfeltdawn

dano said:

Keep out of Fishponds. That's what I mostly remember from Bristol.

I survived four years there without dying. it's not a cultural mecca but it's friendly enough. Downend is fun. The Horseshoe as recommended does live bands but it is not a place I'd choose to spend time in. Duck and Willow up the road will cost more but the beer's better and the food is excellent. 

Stoke's Croft. If you want to see Bristol as opposed to going around the posher bits which are just like posh bits everywhere else, then visit the Croft. 

LoFi

"The Old Duke" on King William St. is a Bristol institution - live jazz (and sometimes blues) every night, no entry fee (though they pass round a bucket once a set for contributions) and you can spill out onto the street.

Heartfeltdawn

LoFi said:

"The Old Duke" on King William St. is a Bristol institution - live jazz (and sometimes blues) every night, no entry fee (though they pass round a bucket once a set for contributions) and you can spill out onto the street.

And I shall be there on Thursday if all goes to plan. Excellent place.