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About the immediate environment

We have lived in Bristol. in this house, since Autumn 1999, the year of the total eclipse oif the sun.  We jumped at the opportunity to buy a house that was near the dock, and easily accessible to the city centre.  Much has changed since we moved in.  The latest addition has been the development of Gaol Ferry steps with its bars, shops and restaurants.  Southville has developed a kind of Gloucester Road feel, with a street full of coffee shops, a Deli, the famous Tobacco Factory, a decent fish and chip shop, Lidl, Mark's Bakery - and much more,  The summer, in normal times, sees a complete change of street art with the UpFest graffiti festival.

 And what is Spike Island?

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Sydney Row actually is an island, with the floating dock on the North side and the River Avon New Cut on the South side.  The footbridge above spans the River Avon, with its massive tidal range.  Anyone interested in the working of the docks should visit the west end of the dock, with its cafe and small  exhibition area. There are so many bars and cafes within easy walking / ferry distance of the dock that it would be foolish to list them here.

Take a look at the links page for more information and inspiration.

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We have to give a mention though to our nearest cafe, situated in the Spike Island Arts Centre.  In normal times open 6 dyas a week for artists and public.  Simple good food, bar and coffee at reasonable prices. There are exhibitons, as well as the famous Spike Island Open Stdios, twice yearly look at what goes on behind the walls of the ex-tea packing plant.

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