People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Night Swimming
The new single from Night Swimming, Five-Year Plan, is the final taste of the dream-pop band’s debut EP, No Place To Land, which is released on September 27.
Night Swimming are Meg Jones (vocals), Sam Allen (guitar), Jesse Roache (guitar), Josh Nottle (bass) and Torin Moore (drums).
They will be celebrating the release of the EP with a show at Rough Trade on Nelson Street on September 28 and in October are playing at the They’re Gonna Be Big festival in Paris.
is needed now More than ever
These are Night Swimming’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Friendly Records
Friendly Records on North Street mainly sells used vinyl records – photo: Martin Booth
Sam: “For my pick, I tried to opt for something less music-related but I couldn’t go without mentioning Friendly Records on North Street in Bedminster. It is (or I guess now ‘was’) home to some of my most treasured vinyl finds. As of late, I’ve managed to find classic 80s pressings of Welcome To The Pleasure Dome by Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Pyromania by Def Leppard alongside more recent releases such as White Flowers’ debut album, Day By Day, for an absolute steal. With a scene like Bristol’s, I also imagine it’s the top spot to find a local gem or two there as well.”
One B Coffee House
One B Coffee House on Cotham Hill was previously called 1B Pitville and will soon have a new sister cafe on Gloucester Road – photo: Martin Booth
Jesse: “Cafes are an important place of inspiration for me. A little caffeine boost and a book or podcast will often lead me to creativity. One B Coffee House on Cotham Hill is a favourite of mine especially in summer as the pedestrianised road allows for quiet, pollution-free outdoor seating. They have great playlists, friendly baristas and are consistently able to provide the best cappuccino in Bristol.”
Arnolfini
The current exhibition at Arnolfini is by Adebayo Bolaji – photo: Martin Booth
Josh: “I’m drawn to a lot of visual arts for musical inspiration and Bristol is a great hub for creativity in the South West. I’ve always enjoyed visiting Arnolfini when I’m around the harbourside area. It’s central and allows you to be immersed within fascinating works in a large canvas of a space. There’s also a great cafe area and artists working around the building as you explore. Honorary mentions would also be the Serchia Gallery in Cotham and of course Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.”
The Mothership
Torin: “I like spending time at the Mothership climbing centre in Barton Hill. Best bouldering facilities in the West Country and a lovely community.”
Bristol Aquarium
Bristol Aquarium is the only aquarium in the UK to feature a giant botanical house – photo: Martin Booth
Meg: “I like the little aquarium in Bristol. Any excuse to see some marine life.”
Main photo: Ethan Porter
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