A NEW CHAPTER...

Hello from me!  I'm Zoe, the proud new owner of Bristol Vintage. I've taken over the reins from the gorgeous Ali and I'm determined to do her proud. 

A little about me...

I'm hugely enthusiastic about a lot of things, but one of my real passions is running. I'm not too fussy about where or for how long, however I am partial to a run in the dark around the illuminated Bristol harbour side.  I love the feeling of freedom it gives me, not to mention the hour or so away from the craziness of my house and two little girls. I also do a little running coaching for people who are keen to start but need a little guidance .... come run with me!

I LOVE to eat, pretty much anything, although my favs are Thai food and cakes. Not together. Unfortunately I'm not the best cook in the world, but luckily that gives me an excuse to eat out a lot.

I'm slightly obsessed with beautiful architecture of all genres, although I have to admit modern boxes leave me feeling a little cold.

I love a cocktail – something sour and cold, I only hope that my choice of cocktail isn't a reflection of my personality!

So... why did I choose Bristol Vintage?  Well, for a start the stock is really rather special. Each cup and saucer has been painstakingly hand selected and it really shows.  The collection is obviously a labour of love and this really translates into something exceptional and totally unique, how could I resist?   On top of that, I really love a wedding.  I'm at the age now where most people I know are either married or they've decided that it's not for them, so I'm experiencing severe wedding drought.  I love the sense of occasion and excitement that comes with any major milestone in life, so to be a part of your special Bristol Vintage is a real honour, and something that I truly relish.

Over the last few weeks I've been slowly unwrapping box after box of gorgeous things, getting a sense of what Bristol Vintage means to me.   The good news for you is that I plan to continue Ali's ethos of personal and friendly service, so you won't see any changes on that front. I'm really excited to share our treasures with you over the coming months, we've lots of new projects already in development so stayed tuned for what lies ahead. 

Wish me luck!

Zoe xxx

A GIRLS NIGHT OUT AT THE IVY!

Last night Kirsten Butler (aka The Little Wedding Helper), Emma Norton and I had a fabulous girls night out at The Ivy Clifton Brasserie.

I've always wanted to eat at The Ivy in London but it's still on my 'wish' list so I was very excited to see whether Bristol's newest addition to it's thriving restaurant scene would live up to my expectations.

In the heart of Clifton Village, the restaurant is based in the old Bank building on Caledonia Place.  The entrance is quite impressive but it's the inside that has the real 'Wow' factor.  With lots of beautiful dark wood, amazing Art Deco light fixtures and a stunning bar area, it's really quite breathtaking when you walk in.  

I have to mention the staff - all immaculately dressed, they were welcoming, friendly and attentive and I was really impressed that every member of staff who dealt with us seemed to know who was having which dish at our table.

We all started with a cocktail and I had the beautiful 'Lavender Lady' which was delicious with quite a delicate flavour.

The menu is really extensive and we loved the fact that along with some unusual dishes there were also some great comfort dishes like their signature hamburger and fish and chips.  Our starters were superb - I had one of my all time favourites, the classic Prawn Cocktail, and was really pleased that it was fresh with a great tomato flavour - not at all sickly or over creamy, but my companions' dishes looked wonderful too, with Kirsten choosing the seared scallops and Emma the Mozzarella di Bufala - which I think I want to try next time!  The ladies decided on steak and fat chips and I went for one of the days specials which was two different types of lamb, incredibly tender and tasty.

In the past I've not been able to resist the dessert menu but these days I find that so many things are too sweet or sickly that it takes a really good pudding to tempt me but I have to say EVERYTHING on the dessert menu appealed to me.  I was a bit worried as Kirsten and Emma chose the Creme Brûlée which is one of my ultimate favourites and I thought I was going to be jealous but I HAD to try the Chocolate Bombe with an ice cream centre and warm salted caramel sauce, which our waitress poured over the Bombe.  I can happily report that it was divine!  Our only regret was that Kirsten didn't video it melting under the sauce.  All washed down with a delicate bottle of rose and finished off with coffee.

We all felt it was a real dining experience - wonderful surroundings, great service and a fabulous menu, beautifully cooked and presented!

We ate in a room off the main dining area, which we all thought would be wonderful for a smaller wedding party as it had a garden area too and the whole experience was really rather special.

It's also worth mentioning that they serve afternoon tea so once you've done your wedding dress shopping you could pop in to rest your weary feet and treat yourselves!

I'll definitely be going back - hopefully might surprise my husband and treat him for a special occasion!

Vintage Baker Finds - The Dig for Victory Show

Every so often I find a vintage supplier who's so good I have to share. So while they might not always be 'Bristol' based, they certainly get the Bristol Vintage & Vintage Baker Finds seal of approval.

This week is all about The Dig for Victory Show.

The Dig for Victory Show is a 1940s themed festival that takes place at the North Somerset Showground on 5th and 6th July.

It's a fabulous family festival with a fantastic programme of events, including a Victory Dance.

Enjoy a Spitfire fly past, get up close to a WW2 Sherman Tank or pick up your own bit of history from one of the many vintage stalls.

You can get involved with ‘upcycling’ 1940s style in one of the Make Do and Mend workshops or listen to a host of high profile speakers and entertainers, including BBC historian James Holland, Chef and food Historian Seren Evans-Charrington and author Colonel Stuart Tootal. 

Activities for children include a handling museum of artifacts, traditional games and a children’s trail – a ration of sweets is waiting for you if you complete it.

And rest assured you won’t go hungry – you can feast from an array of culinary delights from local food and drink producers.

Most of all make sure you don't miss the Victory Dance on the Saturday night! Enjoy a dance lesson by Swing Dance Bristol followed by live music from the era. Sip a cocktail from the bar and enjoy some delicious local food while playing the traditional games with friends on the lawn. 

Find out more on the website, have a read of the blog and buy tickets here (only £10 for an adult or £22 for a family of four). Make sure you check out their promo too and then it's chocs away for a fabulous 40s weekend.

When Sarah Baker isn't writing children's books she writes features for Vintage Life Magazine and Pretty Nostalgic. You can find her on Twitter @bysarahbaker or via her website www.bysarabaker.com 

Vintage Baker Finds - Vintage Zizou

Every so often I find a vintage supplier who's just too good not to share. So while they might not strictly be 'Bristol' based, they certainly get the Bristol Vintage & Vintage Baker Finds seal of approval.

First up is Vintage Zizou.

Vintage Zizou is a speciality vintage and contemporary clothes shop and a dress agency.

Owner Anca Cesar sources her stock from across the UK, Europe and the US to bring you quality pieces.

They have a large section of branded and unbranded dresses, coats, hats, shoes, handbags and jewellery…

…and if you're not sure what you're looking for, need some style advice, fashion tips or want to know how to care for your new purchases, the friendly staff are on hand to help.

When it comes to bridal, they stock wedding dresses, cocktail dresses and party dresses, outfits for flower girls and the Mother of the Bride, as well as some gorgeous accessories.

So pop across the bridge to their shop at 16 Castle Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1BU or take your time looking through the online stock available on their website. The prices are surprisingly reasonable for top quality vintage.

See you soon for more Vintage Baker Finds!

When Sarah Baker isn't writing children's books she writes features for Vintage Life Magazine and Pretty Nostalgic. You can find her on Twitter @bysarahbaker or follow her on Pinterest.