Student Life 2013/14 January 2014 | Page 34

BRISTOL city guide I’M MATT HOARE, I’M A HISTORY GRADUATE AND I LIVE IN GLOUCESTER ROAD, BRISTOL atmosphere, The Apple Boat is definitely the place to go!). Located on the river to the south of Queen’s Square, Thekla is Bristol’s unique floating club; with a different theme every night, a drink on the top deck is an unrivalled experience. For jazz, funk and afrobeat, check out Mr Wolf’s on St. Stephen’s street – the atmosphere is electric. BEST PLACES TO EAT With several outlets around the city, the Southville Deli is the place to go for a wholesome lunch or mid-morning snack; ideal for those wanting to eat well and watch the waistline. If you’re not watching the calories too closely though, head to Start the Bus on Baldwin Street to sample one of their unique burgers. by Matt Hoare GOING OUT The promenade in the heart of the city is flanked on either side by the two main hotspots of activity after the sun goes down: Park Street and the old city. Leading up towards the affluent suburb of Clifton, Park Street plays host to all manner of posh cocktail bars and upmarket venues, while the old town and Stokes Croft are brimming with pubs, clubs and Bohemian hangouts Though the generic clubs found in all student hubs have residencies in the city (including Oceana, Vodka Revolution and Syndicate ), Bristol is a city that rewards exploration. Many of the best pubs in the old city are hidden down narrow, cobbled alleyways and some even on the river itself (if you like your cider and a chilled 34 www.accommodationforstudents.com The Grecian, situated at the heart of Gloucester Road, serves traditional Greek kebabs, pistachio-infused cakes and freshly-made stone-baked pizza for around £5. If you’re a connoisseur of curries and fancy splashing out, Kathmandu is far and away the best curry house in the city, with the Thali Café making for a great, low-cost alternative. HIDDEN GEMS Gloucester Road is lined with small, independent shops; from the exotic foodstuffs in the Asian supermarkets to the unique trinkets found in the countless boutiques. Most of what’s on offer here cannot be found in the city centre. Some of the best parks in the city lie off of the paths most trodden. St Andrew’s Park (off Gloucester Road), Brandon Hill (outside Clifton) and Victoria Park