The Places of Bristol: Vincenzo's

TripAdvisor

For those who like Italian food, not the Anglo-Italian of Pizza Express or ASK, but the authentic, messy, ‘no cutlery allowed’ style of real Italian pizza, then Vincenzo’s is for you. With 44 years’ worth of postcards covering the walls from across the globe and bottles hanging from the ceiling, it’s the kind of place you go when in want of something a bit heart-warming. 

I have to be honest, from outside the restaurant I was a little worried about what to expect. They have clearly turned their attention to the indoor décor and left a little to be desired outside. However, despite the unwelcoming front door (which on our visit was accompanied by a chef having a cheeky cigarette) the restaurant is adorably welcoming. The food is fairly cheap for large portions and incredibly tasty and the service is quick and friendly. Although it seems more a haunt for the regular customer, we were made to feel very at home as well. What’s more, if you’re so inclined, it even has a view over Park Street! 

Vincenzo’s manages to take you away from the Café Rouge/Jamie’s Italian repetitive nature of Park Street and welcomes you into a tiny bit of Italia only a few yards away. Don’t expect Michelin stars, but do expect a smiling waitress with an Italian accent and a lot of (2006) Italian footballers pinned on the walls.   

Image: VirtualTourist

How much? £7-£15

Where? 71a Park Street, Bristol, BS1 5PB

The Places of Bristol: The Wardrobe Theatre

One of my big loves is theatre; and where’s a better place to be as a theatre-lover than Bristol? This arty (and studenty) city has much to boast of; there are so many quirky and exciting theatres and one of my favourites is The Wardrobe located above the White Bear on St Michael’s Hill. 

This intimate and endearing theatre can only seat about 50 but manages to charm its audiences through a good mix of comedy and independent shows on their way up (The fantastically promising Tap Tap Theatre production company are finding their first successes at the Wardrobe). I was lucky enough to meet one of its directors, Matthew Whittle to discuss the incredible success of the toddler-aged Wardrobe Theatre and how it got such a strong reputation. Learning about its journey from humble beginnings was fascinating, and I was charmed by its simple ethos; to create accessible and affordable theatre that supports new and local talent. 

The theatre has regular shows in the style of soap operas and plays host to the University of Bristol Drama societies fortnightly. However, it seems to me that their growing reputation is spreading even further, having staged Russell Howard recently and they even have Ed Rapley on the programme for this season. 

If you fancy a break from the usual cinema trip and you don’t want to stretch to Hippodrome prices, why not head down to the Wardrobe Theatre where every show promises to be less than £5 and the after party is just down a few stairs. 

Where? 133 St Michael's Hill, High Kingsdown, BS2 8BS

How Much? All shows under £5

The Places of Bristol: Cabot Tower

Possibly one of the most romantic spots in Bristol and only a 2 minute walk from Park Street, Cabot Tower is an isolated fairy tale just off the beaten track. The 32 metre high tower offers stunning views of the city and is situated in Brandon Park, allowing for a perfect lunch spot after the panoramic sights. 

Image: TripAdvisor

Although some may argue that Cabot Tower isn’t exactly a secretive landmark, it took two years until I discovered this beautiful place that steals you away from the hustle and bustle of the Clifton Triangle. It seems the perfect location to spend a much-needed lunch break away from the worries of the day or even a romantic walk in the evening with a view included. Although the actual tower closes at 3:45pm each day, the views are still fascinating from the base of the tower which sits at the perfect height to catch a glimpse of Bristol by moonlight. There really isn’t a more seductive spot. 

Where? Brandon Hill Park

How much? IT'S FREE.

How Facebook Has Ruined the House Party

When parents think of 'house party' and Facebook in the same sentence, they automatically picture this: 

Or this:

and they remember those Daily Mail articles where Timmy advertised his party on Facebook and the next thing they knew, they had £300,000 of damage and an arrested son. Well, I want to argue that although the Daily Mail may think Facebook gets a party started, perhaps it’s causing a whole new level of apathy as well. 

With the invention of Facebook Events, it seems that the necessity for a reliable RSVP has diminished. We no longer require a calendar or even a memory; we just pop onto Facebook and see if we fancy the event happening that evening, causing us to plan our social lives far more spontaneously. Clicking ‘yes’ on an event has become more a recognition of it happening rather than an affirmation of attendance. Gone are the personalised text messages or even the more civilised phone call, in fact gone is any direct communication at all. Create event, invite friends, enter.   

Now this is all fine and dandy if you’re relaxed about the outcome of your party, but it seems to me that you have to invite four times as many people as you actually want to turn up. Now that sounds rather different to Timmy and his cheese and crackers evening. Whereas in the past you would invite 10 on Facebook and 100 would show up, arguably now it needs to be the other way around. Although that may be comforting for parents, I would argue that Facebook is ruining the student necessity that is the 'house party'.