People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol favourites: Poku Osei
Poku Osei is the founder and programme director of award-winning St Paul’s-based youth social enterprise Babbasa, which supports aspiring inner city young people through professional mentoring schemes, accredited skills training and informative events. He is also the newest non executive director at Bristol Community Health.
Here are Poku’s top five Bristol favorites:
Lona
is needed now More than ever
“I recently found out about Lona through one of the talented young people that Babbasa supported last year. It’s a beautiful Lebanese restaurant on Gloucester Road with a magical atmosphere. The food there is excellent, and the entire experience at Lona does remind me of my birthplace – Ghana, west Africa.”
At-Bristol
“I first visited At-Bristol four years ago when my partner Beccy and I had our daughter, Ama. I think it is one of the best-kept secrets for family outings in the city. The At-Bristol experience does spark a sense of adventure and curiosity, not only in children like Ama but also parents like Beccy and myself. It’s a worthwhile visit for all ages.”
The enthusiasm of Bristol’s ethnically diverse inner city young people
“The energy, ideas, resilience and aspirations that I find amongst young people living in the area has defined my work life over the last few years, and in many ways energised my sense of purpose. This is why I’m encouraged every day to work with any individual or business open to provide opportunities for inner city young people to nurture their skills and talents. It is my vision to extend the Babbasa working model to other aspiring young people in west Africa in the near future too.”
Tyntesfield
“Just on the outskirts of Bristol, Tyntesfield serves as a resource for inspiration when work life gets hectic. With its beautiful gardens, orangery and interior decor as a Victorian gothic estate, I personally think Tyntsefield is one of the most beautiful public places in the UK. It’s grand, and in a weird way reminds me of the guiding principle that if you can imagine it, you can achieve it.”
Team Love
“I’m a big fan of good music and great event productions, and I think these guys do both very well. Team Love are behind In:Motion, Glastonbury Wow! Stage, Love Saves The Day Festival and most recently the Small Horse Inn. All their productions seems to have the thematic social consciousness of bringing people of diverse background together through good fun and soulful music – and that I love!”