People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Make Friends
Alt-indie band Make Friends supported Girl and Girl at the Louisiana on Wednesday and have recently been played on BBC Radio 6 Music.
The band formed while their members – Tom Andrew, David Thomas, Connor Crabb and Max Lewin – were studying in Bath but found their sound when they moved to Bristol and began working with producer Peter Sené, a touring member of Everything Everything and John Grant.
Make Friends’ Loaded Fun EP is released on September 13.
is needed now More than ever
These are Make Friends’ top-five Bristol favourites:
The Ostrich
Tables are at a premium outside the Ostrich on a sunny day – photo: Butcombe
“Bristol is truly spoilt for choice when it comes to great bars, breweries and boozers. Local haunts like the Hare on the Hill, Basement Beer, Sidney & Eden and the Grain Barge are all well-deserving of a shout-out, but for the band, the Ostrich has to take top-spot. When we first met with our producer Ed (Nash, Bombay Bicycle Club), the Ostrich became our impromptu hang-out spot when discussing plans, or just to unwind after a day of songwriting. So much so, that The Ostrich became a working title for a song of ours that eventually stuck! It’s such a serene spot (if you’re lucky enough to be sat in the sun) to watch the world float by.”
Troopers Hill
Bristol harpist Scarlett Smith playing on Troopers Hill in 2020 – photo: Ellie Pipe
“Home to the steepest residential road in England, Bristol is notorious for its inclines, which can be a nightmare after a night out. However, the upside is that it’s home to many breathtaking viewpoints of the sprawling city. While hard to pick an outright favourite, Troopers Hill holds a special place in the band’s collective heart as it featured in the climax of our homemade video for Hesitate that we released back in 2020. A great spot for sunrise, sunset, and the annual Balloon Fiesta!”
Indian Fast Food
Food on the pass at Indian Fast Food ready to be served – photo: Indian Fast Food
“Bristol is also a bastion for independent restaurants, and is a foodies haven really! Admittedly, there’s probably better spots for a romantic meal for two, but collectively, Indian Fast Food on Cheltenham Road has to take the top-spot for us. When I first moved to Bristol, our place was nestled right under the arches (the exact same spot where Nia Archives did a secret set earlier this year) and so with Gloucester Road right on my doorstep, many of my early experiences were all around that area. Curry is a firm favourite of the band, so Indian Fast Food became a staple, and feels like a bit of a sanctuary for the band. We actually settled on the name Make Friends shortly after eating there one night (the spice kickstarted something for us I guess!).”
Leigh Woods
Leigh Woods in the summer sun – photo: Martin Booth
“I grew up in a sleepy town, which wasn’t ideal being the restless teen that I was, but one saving grace was its natural beauty. It wasn’t enough to keep me there, as I craved something only a city could offer, but Leigh Woods is that taste of tranquillity I was all too used to. It’s easy to lose yourself in there (quite literally), but it’s nice to escape from the city every now and then, without having to venture too far.”
North Street
Bristol24/7’s new office on the top floor of the Tobacco Factory has a bird’s eye view over North Street – photo: Martin Booth
“I’ve always rated Bristol as being a city with the feeling of a tight-knit community. Each area feels like its own borough, with a distinct identity. But I have to say my favourite overall is North Street. Its storefronts are ever-changing but its core remains, one of neighbourhood familiarity. Particular standouts are Photographique, Friendly Records, the Old Bookshop, Kask and Pizza Workshop.”
Main photo: Holly Whitaker
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