People / Milan Perera
My Bristol Favourites: Milan Perera
Milan Perera is Bristol24/7’s Business Editor.
As well as working for Bristol24/7, Milan has also written for student publications including Epigram, where he was co-deputy editor, The Bristorian and Helicon duirng his time as an English Literature student at the University of Bristol, raking up over 270 bylines in total.
Milan has been shortlisted for three Student Publication Association national awards, and was nominated for the Liberation Award for Student Voice back in 2023.
is needed now More than ever
These are Milan’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Gloucester Road
The Gallimaufry is one of many excellent pubs on Gloucester Road – photo: Betty Woolerton
“Yes, I know. People are screaming their heads off saying, ‘Gloucester Road is so overrated’. Possibly. But the charm of the eclectic and vibrant stretch never fails to enthrall me. Gloucester Road epitomises all that is best and beautiful about Bristol. It continuously renews and reinvents itself, just like the city itself. There is nothing more satisfying than walking up Gloucester Road on a sunny day in July soaking up the vibes of the independent shops, cafes, eateries, street art and pubs. It is often cited as the longest road of independent shops in Europe. If the bustling activities are too much for one’s liking, there is a welcoming refuge at the cafe at Kadampa Meditation Centre on Pigsty Hill where one could enjoy a tea and a cake. Brewer’s Droop is also a must-visit place for all the beer aficionados with its vast range of locally brewed ales.”
Wilko, Union Street
The closure of Wilko has been an immeasurable loss to High Street, writes Milan – photo: Milan Perera
“I cannot express how sad I was when I heard of the closure of Wilko on Union Street. For me, it was a temple where I could lose myself among paint pots, wallpaper and stationery. Over the years, I used to visit the shop at least once a week. I picked up the hobby of DIY where I found it mentally engaging and almost therapeutic. Among all hardware chains there is nothing come closer to Wilko, in terms of range, price and first class customer service. I am yet to find a replacement for the shop. Its has been an immeasurable loss to the city. Against all odds, may it be back.”
Loco Klub
Loco Klub is a series of Brunel-built railway arches that creates a unique performance space – photo: Milan Perera
“As a regular arts reviewer, I have been privileged to visit some of the finest arts and theatre venues, big and small, around the city. To say Bristol’s art scene is vibrant is no hyperbole. Its art scene is one of the biggest selling points of the city. At Loco Klub, the crypt-like setting of former railways workers’ social club adds an extra layer of intimacy to performances. The semi-lit bar and the main theatre have some calming vibes. The term ‘hidden gem’ is liberally used these days with no semantic value. But Loco Klub is definitely a hidden gem: a series of Brunel-built railway arches. If someone is interested in arts, music, and theatre, at an out-of-ordinary venue, this is the place to be.”
Seat Unique
Formerly the County Ground, the Seat Unique Stadium in Ashley Down is home to Gloucestershire County Cricket Club – photo: Martin Booth
“I must confess that I am a cricket tragic. If the grounds and walls of Gloucester County Ground could speak, they could tell a thousand tales about some of the greatest names ever to grace the sport, including the father of modern cricket, WG Grace. In recent years it has seen the likes of Courtney Walsh, Jack Russell, Mark Alleyne and the late Mike Proctor. The facilities of the ground is probably nothing to write about but the joy and excitement it had brought to thousands of cricket lovers over the years will be remembered for years to come. The new developments have gradually engulfed the adjacent area of the ground. The recent announcement of its possible move has not gone down well with the cricket lovers of the area. Situated off Gloucester Road, the County Ground has been easy to access, providing a short dash after work to catch a glimpse of a T20 fixture.”
St Paul’s Carnival
“The vibrant costumes, dazzling dance routines, and beautifully decorated floats representing the legacy of St Paul’s Carnival are nothing short of extraordinary” – photo: Milan Perera
“Every other year in July, the streets of St Paul’s come to life with vibrant colours, rhythmic beats and a strong sense of community spirit. Last year it marked its 60-year anniversary which coincided with the 75th anniversary of Windrush. It is a melting pot of colours, cuisines, music and dance. My highlight of the festival is always the procession which features local schools, dance troupes, drumming ensembles, steel bands and local organisations. The vibrant costumes, dazzling dance routines and beautifully decorated floats representing the legacy of St Paul’s Carnival are nothing short of extraordinary. It is most definitely a poster for Bristol. It is not just a parade. It is the whole package: the struggle, the story, the history and the celebration.”
Main photo: Meg Houghton-Gilmour
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