People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Katherine Jewkes
Katherine Jewkes is the creative director of Bristol Light Festival, which returns from February 2 to 11.
Katherine is a multi award-winning creative director and digital consultant who has worked with clients including the Royal Shakespeare Company, Manchester International Festival, Louvre Abu and the Royal Opera House.
These are Katherine’s top-five Bristol favourites:
is needed now More than ever
Banksy’s Well Hung Lover
“There’s so much good street art in Bristol that it was hard to pick a favourite, but Banksy’s Well Hung Lover is close to my heart. I’ve always imagined other windows around the artwork and wondered what those neighbours might be up to. For the first year of the festival, we commissioned four Bristol-based graffiti artists and illustrators to bring this idea to life. Then after the pandemic, we brought the artwork back, updating it to reflect what we had all experienced during lockdown, and the unique communities we built during that difficult time.”
Watershed
Katherine says that Watershed is like a second home for her – photo: Martin Booth
“Watershed is like a second home to me; I’m a resident of the Pervasive Media Studio and love to go to the Friday lunchtime talks when I can, as they are free to attend and open to everyone. I regularly pop down to catch a film with friends whenever I can. And the menu in the cafe-bar is great and affordable – my favourite is ordering a pile of nachos to share with friends. This year, Watershed are mixing us a ‘Good Idea’ cocktail inspired by an installation that will be at the festival.”
The Wellhead
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“I’m giving away my secrets now, but I have a number of strategically-placed lovely spots to meet artists or friends during Bristol Light Festival for a catch-up. It’s nice to break up the walk around the installations with a cosy drink and a sit-down. The Wellhead in Finzels Reach is one of my favourites as the garden there has great heaters and overlooks Castle Bridge which means that I can keep an eye on the installation there while enjoying a drink with a friend. They are also mixing us a bespoke cocktail this year, which I’m excited to try. If cocktails are not your thing, then you are right next to Left Handed Giant who are brewing us a Bristol Light Festival beer this year which is delicious. There are lots of good options in Finzels Reach for a mid-route pitstop so it’s a favourite part of town for me.”
Renato’s
Posters remain on the wall at Renato’s following its reopening – photo: Sam Beasor
“I adore Bristol Old Vic; we’re so lucky to have such a brilliant theatre at the heart of our city. My favourite nights there always inevitably end up at Renato’s, chatting about what we’ve seen over pizza. I’m delighted that it has reopened and that they’ve not changed the vibe of the place. It’s still got all the theatre posters on the walls, which I adore. I was there last week and the pizza from Pizza Is Lovely is great!”
Salt & Malt at Chew Valley Lake
Enjoy fish and chips with a view at Salt & Malt – photo: Salt & Malt
“When the weather gets warmer, I love driving out to Vobster Quay near Radstock for a swim in the lake. I wish I was better at wild swimming in the winter but I’m not brave enough. In the summer months, it is such a gorgeous place to spend some time. On the way back home, I like to then stop off at Salt & Malt overlooking Chew Valley Lake for really good fish and chips and a mug of tea. Winter is such a dark and gloomy time of year. It’s nice to have these summery things to look forward to.”
Follow Katherine on Instagram, @katherinejewkes, to see behind the scenes snapshots of Bristol Light Festival
Main photo: Katherine Jewkes
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