People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Anna Farthing
Anna Farthing is director of Harvest Heritage Arts & Media and creator of War, Women and Song which plays at the Redgrave Theatre from August 31 to September 2. She is also co-producing Bristol’s inaugiral Cary Grant festival, Cary Comes Home, in October.
Here are Anna’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Rosemarino (Clifton)
“The very best neighbourhood bistro for birthdays, anniversaries, Mothers Day and special breakfasts on special weekends. Italian food, simple style, excellent quality. I like to think it’s what my ancestors would have aspired to. They were among that generation of between the wars Italian immigrants that all worked in hotels and catering. When I first came to Bristol it was the York Cafe and the legendary Dot served vast stews to students shoved together on long benches. It’s much more sophisticated now, but the passion to feed people well is still there.”
is needed now More than ever
The Lido
“Harvest made a film there when it was derelict, so it’s lovely to see it now. My mum remembers visiting when she was evacuated from Southend and sent to stay with relatives. Then as now it is an oddly-placed patch of seaside hidden within the built-up city streets. A cup of coffee by the splashing sound of water feels like a micro-holiday.”
Bristol Hippodrome
“A theatre designed by Frank Matcham using amazing feats of engineering so none of the balconies need pillars, everyone has an uninterrupted view of the stage and actors can speak without amplification (as heard in the recent One Man Two Governors). I love this big old theatrical survivor and although it always seems like a special occasion to be there, you feel everyone is welcome.”
Arnos Vale Cemetery
“A wonderful place run by a small inventive team and lovely volunteers, A cemetery that is very cleverly being repurposed as a community learning and arts space. I love the life stories represented through the memorialisation of death, and the eclectic programme of activities ranging from lectures to bug hunts to tai chi. It is so alive!”
The Relaxation Centre
“When I have taken too much on (which happens too often) I retreat here to recharge my batteries with a massage, an outdoor dip in warm water and a lie down. I am now programmed to unwind at the first whiff of the toasted teacakes. After lazing around in a dressing gown it is sometimes difficult to re-engage with the pace of life outside, and I re-emerge to wobble down Whiteladies Road like a slightly oily zombie.”
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