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 A beautiful statement in silver |
8 Stanley Rd Bristol BS6 6NW United Kingdom +44 117 959 4494 http://www.FineRingsAndThings.... |
Alastair Gill is the cool and tranquil studio and exhibition space of Bristol. Bold without being brash, highly unusual without being outlandish, the sophisticated jewellery definitely makes a statement and would be perfect presents for individualists. Pieces on display are available to buy and he also offers a custom-made service - contact him with your requirements for a quote as to cost and length of time to make the pieces. The studio is open from February to December (inclusive) during the times shown below: entry at other times is by appointment. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bring a bit of Allure into your life... |
17 Regent Street Clifton Bristol United Kingdom 0117 974 3882 http://www.allure-fashions.co.uk |
"Allure is an almost magical quality; an aura or presence that charms and seduces", according to Michelle Lewis, owner of this charming ladies boutique up in Clifton. We have to agree that this is something she has a lot of, amongst the rather eclectic range of European fashion labels, with ranges by Poleci, Rutzou, Antik Batik, By Malene Birger and Libélula. Michelle wanted to bring to Bristol some of these exciting European labels that she found while living and working in London, and it was out of this that Allure was born. Whether you want advice or not, or just a relaxed friendly atmosphere in which to peruse the rails of this elegant boutique, we are sure that Michelle and Co. will help you make more of your allure. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Browse amongst the dusty books |
4 Waterloo Street Clifton Village Bristol BS8 4BT United Kingdom +44 117 973 9848 |
Bibliophiles better beware! If they enter this shop, it's extremely unlikely they'll leave without buying something. It's the sort of second-hand book shop that you only go to if you have at least an hour to spare, as browsing through their well-stocked shelves is a real pleasure. The largest section is fiction, which ranges from the classics like Dickens and Austen, to very up-to-date novels by well-respected writers (no trashy pulp fiction here). Most paperbacks cost around £3. They also have sections on local history, poetry, academic subjects, photography and art (a particularly good outsized section on these). They also offer an out-of-print book search service. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Beautiful antique beds |
15 Regent Street Clifton Bristol BS8 4HW United Kingdom +44 117 923 9181 |
This shop always has an excellent selection of beautifully restored, antique beds to choose from, with styles covering the whole spectrum—from the simplest, cast iron bedstead to a sumptuous French Lit Bateau. They also offer a wide range of handmade, cast iron beds, carefully crafted to reproduce original designs. Various sizes are available, from just 2ft (wonderfully cute children's beds) to 7ft wide. If you choose one of their unconventionally sized, antique bed frames, the shop can even supply a custom-made mattress and base. Perfect for those who like to recline in grand and slightly fairy-tale-like style. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Stunning vintage, costume and fine jewellery |
3 Clifton Arcade Boyces Avenue Bristol BS8 4AA United Kingdom +44 117 973 8448 |
Visiting this shop is like entering an elaborate Aladin's cave! Recommended by Vogue, it's the place to go if you want something different from run-of-the-mill chain-store jewellery, whether it's a diamond ring or cheap trinket you're after. The owner - a wonderfully camp 40-something who'll address you as "darling" as soon as your foot is in the door - stocks costume and fine jewellery, headdresses, beaded bags, lockets, pill boxes and objets d'art from all periods, including Art Deco and especially Edwardian (look for their gorgeous chokers of all different coloured beads and stones). Above the counter is a suspended pole, completely covered with hundreds of hanging beads of all shapes, sizes and colours and lining the walls are glass cases containing glittering diamante jewellery, amber brooches and emerald necklaces etc. Definitely worth a visit, if only for the sparkly spectacle alone. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Large academic and general bookshop |
89 Park Street Clifton Bristol BS1 5PW United Kingdom +44 117 927 6602 http://www.blackwells.co.uk |
This excellent bookshop has four levels and is the premier academic text supplier in Bristol. If you're on a University/college course, your text books will be on the shelves here, all arranged by subject - geography, computing, law, medicine, sciences, psychology etc. They also stock lots to interest the general reader however, including travel, art and literature, modern fiction, cookery and children's books. There's also a particularly large English-as-a-foreign-language section - perfect for visitors from overseas. If you can't find what you need, ask the staff and they'll order it for you. Look out for the frequent author events and give the coffee shop, Goodbean, located in the basement, a try. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Let's go fly a kite |
16 Pitville Place, Cotham Hill Bristol BS6 6JY United Kingdom +44 117 974 5010 http://www.kitestore.co.uk |
This is Bristol's only specialist kite store, stocking everything for the kite enthusiast - from single-line kites for beginners, to stunt kites and Flexifoil power kites for the more advanced. They also sell lines and spares, accessories, frisbees, yo-yos and much more. The adrenaline-junkies among you should ask them about their kite surfing equipment - then make for nearby Devon and Cornwall to try this new sport. Once you've bought your kite, head up to the beautiful bit of countryside that is Ashton Court Estate - the city's prime flying location. The owner of this store is also the person to contact about the fabulous Kite Festival, held at the aforementioned estate each year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Award winning appetizers |
121 Whiteladies Road Clifton Bristol BS8 2PL United Kingdom +44 117 970 6565 http://www.chandosdeli.com |
With almost as many awards under its belt as varieties of goods, this patisserie and delicatessen boasts entirely natural and organic treats to delight foodies everywhere. Particularly recommended is the Hobbs House bread - winner of the Organic Food Award 1998 - and the selection of organic cheeses (from £12.94 to £32 a kilogramme). There's also freshly roasted coffee, pure fruit juices, salami and hams, oils and vinegars, local handmade chocolates and a range of fantastic sandwiches - these get snapped up quickly so get there early if you're after a takeaway lunch. They have a particularly good range of Italian foods, including prosciutto, a range by Antonio Carluccio and Italian wines. They might be pricey, but everything's so tasty it's worth it. There are also two other branches - in Clifton Village, at 6 Princess Victoria Street and in Henleaze, at 97 Henleaze Road. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Juan Villamota  |
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Quaint, old arcade full of unique shops |
Boyces Avenue Clifton Bristol BS8 4AA United Kingdom +44 117 904 2650 |
This beautiful and old-fashioned arcade in Clifton village is a great place to browse on a Saturday afternoon. It's a beautiful, two-storey building in its own right and now houses some unique shops and a cafe - in short, it's a very special little place and definitely worth a visit. Downstairs you'll find vintage clothing, antique jewellery, second-hand books and a couple of antique shops selling items varying from the wildly expensive to the affordable. After all that shopping, have a break at the Primrose Cafe, a very popular meeting place for Cliftonites, with both seating inside and outside on the pavement. The upstairs of the arcade is currently being renovated - watch this space. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Will |
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General bookshop especially good for children |
84 Whiteladies Road Clifton Bristol BS8 2QP United Kingdom +44 117 983 8989 |
If you're after a hard-to-come-by reference guide, you're better off going to one of the big chains, but if you'd just like to find a good read for the weekend or some books to amuse the kids, head here. Being a neighbourhood bookshop, it's not that large, but its two floors are crammed with titles and if you can't find what you want on the shelves, a member of staff will order it especially for you. In fact, the staff are very knowledgeable and can often recommend a title if, for instance, you're looking for a present. The upper floor houses an excellent range of reading matter for children - from toddlers to teens. Downstairs there's a section devoted to travel guides and it's particularly good for modern fiction, stocking all the latest titles. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Small, newly refurbished mall in trendy Clifton |
Whiteladies Road Clifton Bristol BS8 2NN United Kingdom +44 (0)117 973 2518 |
This shopping centre has undergone a complete refurbishment to the tune of £6 million and injects new vitality into the Whiteladies Road shopping area. It's student-central round here, so many of the shops cater to this end of the market - all units are either student-friendly and/or rather slick for a such a small mall. Central to the redevelopment is a new, improved Sainsbury's supermarket, car parking for 350 cars and a covered, central square with trevelators linking the mall and car park. High Street retailers—including WHSmiths, Holland & Barrett and Starbucks Coffee Company—rub shoulders with independent shops, such as Potters, which sells handmade ceramics. Worth a visit if you can't face going into town but still need a bit of retail therapy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matt Batchelor |
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Fascinating and unique vintage clothes shop |
5 Lower Clifton Hill Clifton Bristol BS8 1BT United Kingdom +44 117 929 0644 |
Less like a second-hand clothes shop and more like a costume museum, this amazing place is well worth a visit. It's run by Gill Hodder, a woman with an encyclopedic knowledge of both where everything is in the shop (two floors, both overflowing with antique clothes on rails and boxes) and the styles and fashions of various eras. The clothes are pre-1960s and most is way before that. It's an absolute treasure trove of unique garments from Edwardian and Victorian eras and 1930s-50s. Some, however, have succumbed to the ravages of time, so watch for holes and stains before buying. You can spend hours searching through the massive cabinets, with their drawers full of buttons, stockings, silk underwear, ties, scarves and jewellery. Absolutely inspirational shopping! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Creative crafts and hobbies |
9 Worrall Road Clifton Bristol BS8 2UF United Kingdom +44 117 973 1710 |
Are you crafty? Well, look no further - this shop has an extensive and eclectic range of the kind of sedate and traditional crafts that are sadly going rapidly out of fashion. There are a wealth of interesting hobby kits including tapestry and embroidery kits - from tiny squares to large cushion covers - coloured beads for creating your own jewellery and stamping and embossing equipment. There are also silk/fabric paints and dyes, batik, stencils and a large section containing paints for china and glass. If you don't know where to start, try one of their books all about the various hobbies, which should point you in the right direction or go along to one of their creativity workshops, led by experienced tutors. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A Flight of Colors! |
Boyces Avenue Unit 8, Clifton Arcade Bristol, Bristol BS8 4AA United Kingdom +44 (0)117 974 3548 http://www.fireflytrading.co.uk/ |
This is one of the many shops located within the well-known Clifton Arcade. Offering a wide range of Italian clothes, handbags and accessories for women, it is a great find for those with impeccable taste. Firefly specializes particularly in pashminas; you can expect to come across some truly exquisite ones in an array of colours, styles and fabrics. So, if you're primarily looking at a quality buy, this place has plenty to offer! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Known as "The Emporium of Curiosities" |
25 Waterloo Street Clifton Village Bristol BS8 4BT United Kingdom +44 117 973 8080 |
Any of you who enjoy browsing through antique shops, looking for reasonably priced curios, should head here. There are two floors of weird and wonderful old objects to choose from. Downstairs are larger items and furniture such as old brass bed-heads, tables and chairs, wash-stands etc. Upstairs, the stock is very varied, both in price and quality. To give you an idea - jewellery and tiny objets d'art in glass cases, wooden printing blocks, Art Deco pottery and tea-sets, old glass bottles, old toys (including Rupert Bear and antique dolls with porcelain heads), antique photo-frames, china, glass, silver and some wonderful prints. Certainly enough interesting objects for an hour's happy browsing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A must for all sci-fi enthusiasts |
Clifton Heights Triangle West Bristol BS8 1EJ United Kingdom +44 117 929 8692 |
Forbidden Planet is by far the best place to visit in the search for anything to do with science fiction. They stock a wide and fascinating range of posters, action figures, model kits and books on the following - Star Wars, Star Trek, Manga, Pokémon, X-Men, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and probably every other sci-fi character that's ever existed. There are also hundreds of sci-fi comics, from the mainstream to the rare and obscure (both new and second-hand). Plus, videos, cult TV collections, books, trading cards, sci-fi and fantasy DVDs and Pikachu rucksacks, this shop has it all - and if doesn't have it in stock, it can be ordered. In short, it's a sci-fi buff's paradise. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Richard S |
 Photo: sunxez |
 Photo: Nick Smart |
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Quality art materials and stationery |
170-174 Whiteladies Road Bristol BS8 2XX United Kingdom +44 117 973 5988 |
If you enjoy creating art of almost any kind, head here to stock up on supplies - this long-established shop has an excellent reputation for the sheer breadth of art materials and stationery sold. It's a big place and each department is staffed by knowledgeable individuals who can lead you to what you need. All leading brands of art materials are available and the range includes specialized paints, papers, canvas, pens, easels, card, mount board and craft kits. There is also a stationery section, which carries a vast choice of products for the office, home-office and also any general needs - accounting books, folders and files, pens, calculators and sundries. There's also a section devoted to children's games and puzzles, plus a wide selection of greetings cards and wrapping paper. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 A charming, traditional and unusual selection of toys |
6a Boyces Avenue Clifton Village Bristol BS8 4AA United Kingdom +44 117 974 3600 |
This very popular toyshop is just as popular with parents as it is with children, for the simple reason that it reminds them of their own childhoods. Why? Well, remember when toys weren't instantly disposable bits of plastic, but were instead well-crafted, beautiful and thoughtful objects? That ethos is still alive in this shop today. There is a wonderful range of toys and accessories for babies and young children and the owner has selected very traditional items, mostly made from wood - games, mobiles, soft toys, blackboards and puzzles etc. There's also a small amount of child-friendly furniture and fun furnishings for kid's bedrooms and even custom-made trunks to store all those new games and toys in at the end of the day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Catwalk class on the high street |
68 Queens Road Clifton Bristol BS8 1QU United Kingdom |
What would we do without Karen Millen? Serving the affluent 20/30/40-somethings of the area, this small designer outlet contains all the timeless classics and one-off must-haves for any woman's wardrobe. It specializes in classics with an edge - so you'll find wonderfully distinctive tailored suits with extras like sequins, leopard-skin prints and leather trims - making it equally popular with those looking for a wedding outfit, a smart suit or a glamorous dress to go clubbing in. They also sell a small range of glam and sophisticated shoes. This is one of those 'if you need to know the price, you probably shouldn't be shopping here' type places. Those on a tighter budget should watch out for their sales (usually early July and in the New Year), when things are often half-price or less. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fascinating shop for cooking enthusiasts |
167 Whiteladies Road Clifton Bristol BS8 2SQ United Kingdom |
This place is an absolute treasure-trove for anyone who likes to cook. It's packed full of every gadget you can think of that's connected to the culinary art - saucepans, casserole dishes, roasting dishes, steamer sets, Moulinex graters, Magimix food processors, cutlery sets, pestle and mortars, kettles etc. - and this is just the first floor! On the lower floor, there's a large selection of cookery books plus icing sets, cake decorations and moulds for expert baking. Even if you hate cooking but fancy yourself as a bit of a gourmet when it comes to actually eating and entertaining, there's still plenty for you here. At the far end of this level there are some gorgeous wine glasses, wine racks, crockery, cafetières and wine coolers - in other words, everything you need to hold an impressive dinner party. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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One stop shop for music |
113a Whiteladies Road Clifton Bristol BS8 2PB United Kingdom +44 117 946 7568 http://www.music-stop.co.uk |
Priding themselves on reasonable prices and excellent service, this is an independent store whose core clientele are students at the local universities - so don't go expecting a comprehensive classical composers section! It's mainly devoted to CDs although DVDs and music videos are also stocked - no vinyl though. The stock is fairly wide-ranging and includes rock, rap, hip-hop, blues, dance, reggae, drum and bass and disposable pop. They often have current chart albums at cheaper prices than many of the leading chain stores, as well as a bargain section of cut-price older albums. They also offer a variety of services such as transferring audio tape (including reels) and video to CD, and repairing broken tapes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Eclectic and interesting clothing |
13 Cotham Hill Cotham Bristol BS6 6LD United Kingdom +44 117 973 7458 |
This place is the perfect antidote to bland, monotonous, high street clothes stores and is where to come if you want to stand out from the crowd. How far you take that is up to you of course—if you really want to wander around Bristol in one of their fabulous John Travolta-style flared suits, then so be it! Otherwise, choose from their selection of silk underwear, shirts, skirts, trousers, shoes, boots etc. dating from the 1920s onwards. There's also a particularly good selection of leather and suede jackets and coats. On the more frivolous side, they also hire fancy dress costumes—lederhosen and Austin Powers outfits to name but two—and stock silly wigs, angel wings and devils' horns, for those mad nights out perhaps? Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Collection of antique sellers under one roof |
18 The Mall Clifton Village Bristol BS8 4DR United Kingdom +44 117 973 7843 |
Inside this beautiful old building are five different units, all selling various antiques. The range of stock they sell includes silverware (modern and antique), watches (wrist and pocket), costume and stone jewelery, porcelain, Oriental and Rajisthani art, paintings (originals and prints) and objects d'art. The stall-holders are extremely friendly and very knowledgeable about their stock, some even doing insurance valuations. If all the browsing makes you hungry, head to the upstairs balcony area, where there's a tea-room - how much more quaint can it get - selling home-made cakes, snacks, lunches and hot and cold drinks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Wines and spirits from across the globe |
92a Whiteladies Road Clifton Bristol BS8 2NT United Kingdom +44 1179 23 8114 http://www.oddbins.co.uk/ |
Voted Wine Merchant of the Year, this national chain is regarded as a top-of-the-range off-licence that really knows its booze. It's especially good for wine and is brimming with a phenomenal selection - there are the classics such as the Bordeaux range of French wines, clarets and wines from the Alsace and the Loire, plus an extensive selection of Australian wines, described as the best ever assembled in the UK. There are also wines from New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, Spain and Eastern Europe and even a fine wine section for the connoisseur. Champagne, spirits, beers (including lots of unusual real ales) and soft drinks are also available. Look out for their free in-store tastings and bin-end bargains. There are other branches at Princess Victoria Street and Whiteladies Road in Clifton, Coldharbour Road in Redland and an enormous supermarket-sized branch on Gloucester Road in Bishopston. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Great place for a takeaway lunch |
1 Worrall Road Bristol BS8 2UF United Kingdom +44 117 946 6940 |
This was once a specialist cheese shop, but is now the place to go for a truly great takeaway lunch. The basic sandwich menu includes gammon, roast chicken and avocado, prawn, Parma ham, brie and oak-smoked salmon. The deli section is where you can find Thai and Italian delicacies, cakes and salads. You can also create your sandwich to your own specifications. No microwaves or processed food items are used and everything is cooked and/or prepared on the premises. Hot and cold drinks, such as juices and Illy coffee (said to be the best) are also sold. It gets very busy at lunchtimes, when you might have to queue - always a good sign. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Designer clothes for little fashion-victims |
20 Princess Victoria Street Clifton Village Bristol BS8 4BP United Kingdom +44 117 973 7370 |
Are your kids mini fashion-slaves, or perhaps you are a label aficionado yourself? Well, if you want to make sure your young ones don't clash with your outfit and are the coolest in the playground, bring them here to get kitted out. Being in Clifton Village (home to the city's wealthy), this shop naturally only stocks designer label children's clothes. Starting at age nought and going up to age 12, they sell babygrows, coats, shoes, various accessories and everyday wear for kids. Nothing is particularly dressy, just very well-designed, trendy and correspondingly expensive. Brands kept in stock include Paul Smith, Baby Dior, French Connection, Armani, Diesel, Petit Bateau and Kookai. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Give a teddy bear a loving home! |
102 Whiteladies Road Clifton Bristol BS8 2QY United Kingdom +44 117 923 8277 |
This shop, full of color and interest, specializes in the most adorable teddy bears of various different shapes and sizes. Not surprisingly, it's very popular with kids, who tend to drag their parents here on weekends. It's also popular however, with serious collectors, as it stocks distinctive and high-quality bears from Dean's, Britain's oldest teddy bear manufacturer - the company was established at the turn of the last century. Dean's catalog's can also be obtained from the shop, so if you can't afford to buy right now, you can order from home. Also available here is everything you'd need for patchwork, embroidery and quilting, including fabric, silks, books and accessories - it's that kind of shop: quaint, old-fashioned and harking back to a more gentle age. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The smart place to buy your sports gear |
5 Clifton Down Bristol BS8 2NN United Kingdom +44 117 974 4272 |
An independent shop with a 15-year history of trading in this (newly refurbished) shopping centre, this family-owned business stocks all the top sports brands and is a registered Lacoste sportswear supplier. Racquets, balls, swimwear and accessories such as hand-weights, skipping ropes and arm/leg supports are available at competitive prices. The range of ladies keep fit/aerobic gear and swimwear is particularly outstanding. You can also get your footwear here, they stock all sorts of trainers and boots for all purposes - running, aerobics, football, hiking etc. It's not a particularly flash and trendy place, but the "smart" tag certainly applies when it comes to the staff, who are very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Sow the seeds of organic change |
9-11 Lower Redland Road Redland Bristol BS6 6TB United Kingdom +44 117 973 1967 http://www.woats.co.uk/ |
This is possibly the best healthfood shop in the city, selling everything for those who want to eat and live better. Buy your food from here and you can rest assured that it won't be full of nasties - the shop is currently 90 per cent GM-free and mostly organic. They sell all the usual meat substitute products like veggie burgers, sausages, quorn mince etc. plus vegetarian cheese, yoghurt, milks, tofu and tempeh. Its selection of freshly-baked breads of all different kinds is extremely popular and the self-serve scoop section is also a big hit - you help yourself to big tubs full of rices, pulses, flours, nuts and grains, then take them to the counter to be weighed. For a healthy lunch have one of their takeaway salads or soups - freshly made each day and all absolutely delicious. Review © 2007, Wcities |
