By Trainee Solicitor Maelor James
Getting around
The best way to get around Bristol is on foot. Most of the trainees live within walking distance of the office, which makes the commute an easy and pleasant experience. There are also plenty of excellent restaurants and bars as well as shops and sports facilities located within a short distance from the office.
Cycling is also a great option for getting around with Bristol being the UK’s first cycling city. Bike racks and showers are located in the office for those who want to cycle to work. There is also a safe and convenient cycle path running all the way to Bath and the YoBike app means that owning a bike is not essential! If cycling isn’t for you, the new MetroBus promises to provide the city with an efficient bus network.
For getting out of the city or for anyone commuting by train, Bristol Temple Meads is a very short walk from the office.
Culture
Bristol is a city steeped in history, which can be explored in museums such as the Bristol Museum and the M Shed. There are also tourist hotspots like the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Brunel’s SS Great Britain to discover while you are here.
You’ll also never be short of things to do in Bristol. During the summer, events like St Pauls Carnival and the Bristol Balloon Fiesta means that there are few quiet weekends. In addition, evenings throughout the year can be spent enjoying comedy at the Hen & Chicken or performances at the Bristol Old Vic or the nearby Wardrobe Theatre.
For followers of sport, the two professional football teams, Bristol Bears rugby club and the home ground of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club means that there is plenty of opportunity to watch live sport.
Eating and Drinking
As a vibrant, multicultural city, Bristol has a variety of independent restaurants to cater for all tastes. In the Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road area alone you can find excellent Korean, Sri Lankan, Middle Eastern and Jamaican food at a reasonable price (The Coconut Tree is a personal favourite of mine). There are also lunchtime opportunities to explore the city’s cuisine at St Nicholas market and at various pop up street food stalls. For a traditional pub meal or a Sunday roast, the Barley Mow and the Volunteer Tavern are good options near to the office.
Bristol is well known for its cider. A selection of local cider can be tried in places like The Apple while the Coronation Tap in Clifton offers its own independent cider in a welcoming atmosphere. For beer lovers, the Moor Brewery and the pubs located on King Street in the historic centre of Bristol cannot be missed. There is also a wine bar located next to the office where members of the social club can receive a discount.
Day trips
It’s quick and easy to get to cities such as Bath and Cardiff from Bristol. Bath is a particularly popular choice in December for its Christmas market while Cardiff is a good option for international rugby matches. During the summer, the seaside town of Weston-super-Mare is nearby for anyone craving a beach or candyfloss.
Bristol is also well-located for those who enjoy the countryside. The Mendip hills and the Cotswolds are within touching distance of Bristol while the Ashton Court estate and Leigh Woods are both excellent walking locations at the outskirts of the city.
Overall, I think Bristol is a brilliant place to live.