Bristol Zoo Gardens bids final farewell

This weekend, the doors to Bristol Zoo Gardens will close for the last time.

The Clifton-based zoo opened in 1836, and is the fifth oldest zoo in the world. Once the doors have closed, a gold commemorative plaque will be installed at the entrance, to mark the historic moment. 

The zoo has announced it will open at open at 9am tomorrow (Saturday 3 September) to allow as many people as possible to say goodbye.

A new Bristol Zoo will be created at Bristol Zoological Society’s Wild Place Project, just off Junction 17 of the M5, which is due to open in the coming years. Wild Place Project will remain open as normal during the transition.

bristolzoo.org.uk | wildplace.org.uk

Featured image: a ring-tailed lemur, an endangered species, at Bristol Zoo | Photo by Andre Pattenden 

From the archive: an interview with Bristol Zoo’s longest-serving keeper

Back in 2020, we chatted to Zoo Keeper, John Partridge, who spent 45 years in Bristol Zoo Gardens, forming some quite remarkable friendships with animals.

He took us on a journey through a career encompassing everything from everyday elephant encounters to hand-rearing hippos. 

Read the full feature at thebristolmag.co.uk

OUR SEPTEMBER ISSUE: OUT NOW

Our September magazine features a collection of great reading by our team of wonderful writers as well as beautifully presented advertising by Bristol's best businesses. We hope you enjoy the read!

15,000 copies are delivered door to door, and you can pick up a copy at many places around town – including our stands at Waitrose, John Lewis, House of Fraser and Harvey Nichols.

Read the digital version of our September issue here!

And if you would like to have a copy sent in the post every month, then we offer a postal subscription for just £33 for 12 issues, £18 for six issues or buy a copy for just £4.25. UK mainland prices. For Euro and World zone subscription prices – see our website. 

Sweetcorn 4

The corn is as high as an elephant's eye... hoorah! Make the very most of our glorious local sweetcorn season while you can.

Sweetcorn Chowder (serves 4)

Heat around 1 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil in a medium-sized saucepan over a medium heat and gently sauté 1 small, peeled, finely chopped onion with 8 finely-sliced spring onions until just turning translucent. Add 400g halved new potatoes to the pan and continue to sauté for 3-4 minutes until the potatoes have softened a bit. Add 1l chicken or vegetable stock, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Add 500g sweetcorn kernels (from 5-6 cobs, depending on the size of the cob) to the pan with 200ml full-fat milk. Bring back to simmering point and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the corn is tender. Season to taste with salt and white pepper, and either serve as a chunky broth or blitz using a hand blender to create a creamier chowder. Serve immediately in warm bowls, perhaps drizzled with a little double cream for extra-added luxury. Top tip: this chowder is delicious served with oven-fresh soda bread and strong Cheddar cheese.

Baked sweetcorn fritters (makes 8 fritters)

Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 5 and line a large baking tray with baking parchment. Heat around 1 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil in a small pan and fry 1 peeled, finely chopped red onion with 1 deseeded, chopped red pepper for around 5 minutes or until tender, adding 350g sweetcorn kernels (from 3–4 cobs, depending on the size of the cob) for the last 1-2 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and, in a large bowl, combine 100g self-raising flour with 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1 tsp ground coriander. Add the onion/pepper/sweetcorn combo and 2 large, beaten eggs and mix well to form a chunky batter. Spoon 8 equal mounds of the batter onto the baking tray, flatten each mound slightly with the back of the spoon and bake for 20 minutes until golden. Lovely served topped with poached eggs and a sprinkling of fresh chives for a lazy brunch.

Sweetcorn, Spring Onion and Feta Pancakes (serves 4)

In a large bowl, combine 200g sweetcorn kernels (from 2-3 cobs, depending on the size of the cob) with 3 peeled, thinly-sliced spring onions, 150g feta cheese (crumbled), 2 beaten eggs, 100ml full-fat milk, 60g plain flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ a bunch of finely-chopped fresh coriander and 1 tsp dried chilli flakes (optional). Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat, add a splash of oil and spoon heaped tbsp of the batter mixture into the pan. Fry in batches of 4 for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown, aiming to cook 12 little pancakes in 3 batches, keeping the cooked pancakes on a warm plate in a warm oven while you cook the rest. Serve 3 pancakes per person topped with strips of crispy smoked bacon (or vegetarian alternative) and a drizzle of maple syrup or chilli sauce.

Sweetcorn Relish (makes approx. 350ml)

Heat around 2 tsp vegetable or sunflower oil in a medium-sized saucepan and sauté 1 large, peeled, finely sliced shallot for around 3-5 minutes until translucent. Add 250g sweetcorn kernels (from 3-4 cobs, depending on the size of the cob) to the pan, along with 1 finely-sliced red chilli (deseeded if you don't want too much of a kick), 25g caster sugar, ½ tsp English mustard powder, ½ tsp salt and 75ml white wine or cider vinegar. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for around 10-12 minutes or until the sauce coats the sweetcorn kernels. Add a generous handful of finely-chopped fresh coriander leaves, transfer to a suitably-sized bowl and allow to cool completely before serving with burgers, hot dogs, fried chicken or strong Cheddar cheese. Store any unused relish in a covered, sealed container in the fridge for up to 48 hours.

Mixed 12 bottle case of great Italian wines

The Italian Discovery Mixed case is a twelve-bottle, specially curated selection from the Great Wine Co. 

Beautifully balanced, there are three fresh, vibrant whites (x2) and three soft, well-rounded reds (x2); the collection celebrates the winemaking regions of Italy, featuring very high quality and perfect examples of truly great Italian wines.

• 2 x 2020 Briccotondo Arneis Langhe DOC, Fontanafredda
• 2 x 2021 Terebinto Grillo, Planeta
• 2 x 2021 Soave DOC Sereole, Bertani
• 2 x 2020 Rosso di Montepulciano, Poliziano
• 2 x 2021 Langhe Nebbiolo DOC San Giacomo, Ascheri
• 2 x 2020 Castiglioni Chianti, Frescobaldi

And at £160 for the case, you can save an incredible £55. There's also a fast, free delivery on orders over £50.

The Jaipur Collection – Perfectly charmed

Every piece of Marco Bicego jewellery features a combination of fine Italian craftsmanship and creativity. The designs are based on three signature features: multi-coloured gemstones, the finest detailing and hand engraved 18ct gold.

This beautiful link necklace (£6,480) and added pendants (prices vary depending on gemstone) are from the Jaipur collection. Inspired by the tropical Indian sunset and the stone cutting heritage of Jaipur, each piece is characterised by its prism-cut gemstones and epitomises the understated elegance that the jeweller is famous for. Complete the look by adding more pendants, earnings, rings and a Jaipur link bracelet.

Mallory has a brilliant selection of Marco Bicego pieces and collections waiting to be discovered. 

L'OCCITANE: Immortelle Precious Emulsion

A light-weight, non-oily formula, the Immortelle Precious Emulsion has a milky texture for fast penetration of the active ingredients to the skin. Great for normal-oily skins, it contains 5% micro-hyaluronic acid for an intense burst of hydration, whist a 30% concentration of skin-refining lentil extract visibly smooths the texture of the skin | £55 / 75ml 

Part of the L'OCCITANE Immortelle Collection, available to shop at uk.loccitane.com. 

Seasalt Pretty Circle Scarf

Made from a luxurious blend of wool and silk, the lightweight circle scarf is a stylish way to add a pop of colour to your autumn outfits | £29.95

Available from seasaltcornwall.com

Curated by Daniel McCabe

I would be fairly sure that Courier Magazine had no more awareness of an impending cost of living crisis than our visionary rulers did when the publisher decided to put together ‘100 Ways to Make a Living’. I suspect, too, that its driving idea was that people might wish give up their jobs for more fulfilling work with an artisanal or creative vibe rather than to seek something more energy efficient. But this is not to suggest that right now isn’t the time for a change, and anyone scratching around for entrepreneurial inspiration will find this showcase mix of imaginative enterprises and unusual skills training a more than useful resource. | £10

Watershed presents 'Sean Connery: Beyond Bond', 4–25 September

To celebrate the launch of UWE Bristol Professor Andrew Spicer's new book Sean Connery: Acting, Stardom and National Identity, Watershed presents Sean Connery: Beyond Bond, a series of screenings and an illustrated talk on the Scottish star. 

'Beyond Bond' showcases films from across Connery's career, and examines both Connery the ‘star’ (a carefully curated myth developed over 40 years) as well as Connery the person (including the gender politics of his persona, his history of misogyny, and his political activism).

The screenings will take place from Sunday 4 – Sunday 25 September. For the full programme, which includes The Hill (1965) and Robin and Marian (1976) among others, visit: wshd.to/seanconnery

MOHIITO fitness studio: Open Weekend, 10–11 September

Brand new fitness studio, MOHIITO is celebrating the launch of a new workout concept in Bristol with a host of free fitness classes at their launch party. 

Over two days, you can try their rowing-based HIIT workout, M Power, or their M Body barre classes for free, while taking a look inside the new fitness studio in Clifton. There'll also be giveaways, mocktails, and a chance to simply walk in and take a look around. The sister studio, M Lab, situated in the same location will also be open for a first-look.

The Open Weekend will take place at MOHIITO Fitness Studio, The Workshop, Hampton Lane, Redland, Bristol, 10–11 September, 8.30am to 1.30pm. To save a space at the free opening weekend, classes must be booked online in advance, while walk-in visits are welcome at any time during the morning. Book online at the MOHIITO website: mohiito.com

1:1 In-Home and Online tutoring from Greenhouse Learning

• All ages, all levels and all subjects
• Local, vetted tutors
• Hand-picked for the student's needs

Tutoring support can help to:

• Build a student's confidence, resilience and desire
• Steer clear of homework battles
• Realise a student's potential

Contact Greenhouse Learning today at: office@greenhouselearning.co.uk | 0117 463 0300 | greenhouselearning.co.uk

The Makershed

The Makershed mission is to provide space for making and learning, for everyone, no matter their level of experience, to be as creative as possible. You’ll receive a friendly welcome by their team of talented tutors who offer a vast range of skill sets, knowledge and experience to teach students. Based in their workshop spaces at St Paul’s Learning Centre they run a huge range of courses and workshops including Woodwork with hand or power tools, Upholstery, Sharpening, Wood Finishing, Wood Carving, Fabric Weaving, Lino Printing, Fabric Dyeing, Sewing and Pallet Wood Workshops. You can choose from daytime, evening and weekend courses. Book now for the Autumn/Winter terms via their website.

St. Paul’s Learning Centre, 94 Grosvenor Road, Bristol, BS2 8XJ | 07599 670365 | themakershedbristol.co.uk

A Life for a Cure: Ladies Fitness and Charity Lunch, 16 September

A Life for a Cure – Ryan Bresnahan's Meningitis Appeal – is delighted to be hosting the 5th Ladies Fitness and Charity Lunch.

The team have some exciting new exercise sessions planned with new trainers – but the essence, as always, is having a fun time with friends. All levels of fitness are welcome.

The cost for the event is a suggested donation of £50. Attendees will enjoy a morning of fitness delivered by 4 trainers and a delicious healthy lunch (plus, by popular demand, the not so healthy, but well deserved, home cooked chocolate brownies). 

The event is to be held on Friday 16 September at Bristol Cricket Club, Failand, Bristol: 9:30am arrival, to start at 10am. It been generously sponsored in full by Burston Cook – so all money raised will go directly to ‘a Life for a Cure’. 

Find out more at ryanbresnahan.org

iampro's GET SEEN showcase, 2 October, online

iampro is a Bristol-based online drama school created by actress Charlie Brooks, who plays Janine Butcher in the BBC’s Eastenders.

With a mission of making the TV, film and theatre industry accessible to all, iampro offers a range of classes and events, including masterclasses with some of the best in the business such as Game of Thrones star John Bradley West and Waterloo Road lead, Angela Griffin.

If you want to get seen by top casting directors and agents, iampro's GET SEEN showcase is on 2 October. This is the perfect opportunity to show off your talent to some industry experts. 

Already confirmed on the panel are Des Hamilton (Casting Director), Chris Crocker (Argo Artists Agent) and Shaheen Baig (Casting Director).

Visit iampro.com/memberships to sign up. 

Karndean flooring

Karndean Designflooring brings the ageless beauty of natural flooring to your home without the hassle. Floors with all the wondrous individuality of wood grain, the luminosity of marble and the subtle textures of limestone and slate, but much easier to install and look after.

Each plank and tile are carefully designed; they don’t look uniform or manufactured, but convey all the great characteristics of natural materials. Colours are defined with variable shades and tones, just as they are in natural wood or stone.

Find out more via the Kustom Floors & Furniture website:
kustomfloorsandfurniture.co.uk

12 Royal York Crescent, Bristol BS8

Offered for sale by Rupert Oliver estate agents

Meticulously refurbished and redecorated in a contemporary style, this is one of the finest upper floor apartments in the city – right in the heart of Clifton village.

The current owner has comprehensively refurbished the property throughout to an extremely high standard to create a three-bedroom duplex apartment complete, with a mezzanine level which makes for the perfect home office with access to private roof terrace.

The apartment is accessed from the elegant promenade of Royal York Crescent, a stairway leads up to the top floor. On entering the apartment, the quality of design and attention to detail is immediately noticeable with hard wearing wood flooring leading into the entrance hall and the open-plan kitchen and sitting room.

The kitchen and living room space is meticulously designed. This is a stunning space, flooded with natural light from the three sash windows, each showcasing the superb views south across Bristol's floating harbour and beyond. The living room is packed with character and features a wood-burning stove which is nestled neatly within a beautiful exposed brick wall. Similar noteworthy features include a selection of exposed retained wooden beams which support and showcase the double height pitched ceiling.

The kitchen benefits from a sizeable breakfast bar which is recessed into a peninsular island, along with a breadth of polished concrete worktops. There is an expanse of floor and wall mounted storage cupboards and the built-in appliances are all quality manufacturers. Continuing on the first floor, are two well-proportioned double bedrooms, each sharing stunning views.

The master bedroom benefits from a recessed wardrobe space and a beautifully designed en-suite WC and shower room. The second double bedroom is a similar size and has use of a large bathroom adjacent. The bathroom has been beautifully designed.

The current owner has also obtained consent to extend into the roof space to create an extremely versatile and useful additional accommodation.

On the newly converted second floor there is a slightly smaller double bedroom with good storage and a very spacious home office which overlooks the kitchen space on one side, and the private roof terrace space to the other, accessed via a set of wall-to-wall bi-folding doors.

Royal York Crescent has the benefit of a well-maintained communal garden stretching for almost the full-length of the crescent, and accessed via several gates leading into it.

It is a beautiful quiet space in the heart of Clifton and one of the best communal gardens in the area – hosting (when allowed) resident only events as well as opening up as part of the Clifton Open Garden Squares Weekend. Guide Price, £699,950

Click here to see more images and read through the details on the Rupert Oliver website.