So having not posted for a bit I handed the pen over to Emma, my son's girlfriend, to write about Stokes Croft, a particularly niche part of Bristol of which Emma is a native. You may be asking if this is true to the nature of my blog but hey, it's A Ruby in A City just not THE Ruby in THE City - OK!
A visit to Bristol would be incomplete without a night out
in Stokes Croft. Where better to experience that unique Bristolian spirit than
on a small stretch of road that proudly declares itself a People’s
Republic? That’s right, The People’s
Republic of Stokes Croft (to give it its full title) exists to promote the area
and its people through creativity and social activism. The buildings are
adorned by vibrant street art; a breakdancing Jesus, Banksy’s ‘Mild Mild West’,
and the provocative ‘Think Local Boycott Tesco’ demonstrate Stokes Croft’s
commitment to fostering talent and independence within the community.
But enough of all that and down to our true purpose: some
good old-fashioned drinking! We begin our journey at The Canteen a cafe, bar
and live music venue that stays busy throughout the day and into the night. Keeping
it local we sample both the Independence, an ale brewed by the Bristol Beer
Factory, and the Ashton Press cider. Among the crocheted lampshades and
hand-painted furniture the atmosphere is cosy and relaxed. Strangers are
encouraged to share tables, artists spread out their materials and a low murmur
of voices pleasantly fills the room. Come the evening however the tables will
be pushed aside and the cavernous space filled with live music and some serious
skanking. I’m not one to use a cliché lightly but with beautiful (sustainably
sourced) food, a splendid range of drinks and free live music every single
night of the week there really is something for everyone at The Canteen.
Onwards to the Pipe and Slippers where we sink into wingback
chairs next to the fire and sip the fearsomely strong Philosopher cider. Don’t
be fooled by the name and rather Sherlock Holmesesque decor however, the Pipe
and Slippers can get as lively as the best of them. A DJ booth is stashed
innocuously in the corner and a blackboard boldly proclaims Thursday to be
‘Slow and Low’ while on Sunday we can look forward to the ‘SkyLion Reggae
Party’. Once again Stokes Croft shows itself to be the belle of all balls with a
place that can offer both port wine on tap and a 1am licence. Come in early for
a quick pint in a cosy, old-man pub and the vast array of local scrumpy might
just persuade you to stay until closing.
Our third and final stop of the evening is Full Moon the
gatekeeper of Stokes Croft and a personal favourite. The best thing about Full
Moon is the large outdoor area between the bar and its sister venue Attic;
perfect for enjoying summer evenings this expanse also plays host to an
independent traders market every weekend. This courtyard is a great space to
chat with friends or make new ones (the giant, psychedelic mushroom statue
provides a good talking point as well as handy chair if all that cider is
getting to you). It wouldn’t be Stokes Croft if there wasn’t provision for some
sort of dancing and Full Moon does not disappoint with DJs playing every
Thursday, Friday and Saturday. That being said the dance floor is effectively
just a corridor opposite the bar so if you really feel like throwing some
shapes I would recommend heading across the way to Attic where there is ample
room.
By this point our brave odyssey around the People’s Republic
of Stokes Croft had left us slightly worse for wear and though I would love to
regale you with tales of Lakota, Crofters Rights and other such places the
adventure must end here. Let it be said that in true Bristol style Stokes Croft
will draw you in with its laid back, community vibes but may just entice you
into dancing till dawn before having a quick snooze on Turbo Island (don’t
ask). A magnificent mish-mash Stokes Croft definitely requires a follow up
visit.