Bristol's Slow Food Market

Did you know? On the first Sunday of every month, from 10am-3pm, the UK's first regular Slow Food market brings the very best local, seasonal, traditionally-produced food and drink from all over the South West to Corn Street in Bristol. Corn Street is just 4 minutes walk from the school.

There's everything you need for a perfect Sunday lunch, as well as fish, cheese, bread, sausages, beer, cakes, preserves, herbs, spices and, of course, Somerset's famous cider, perry and apple brandy. Hot food is also available, and there are regular cookery demos from some of Bristol's finest chefs.

For people who are interested to find out more about Slow Food in Bristol, there is a very informative website, which details group activities that you are welcome to join:

Slow Food Bristol, the Clifton Club, and Andrea Leeman invite you to a supper of Gloucestershire food and drink to celebrate the publication of Andrea’s new book, A Taste of Gloucestershire.
We pre-mentioned this a little while ago and already have bookings. Now here are the details:

Tuesday 10 November, 7.30 to 10.30, The Clifton Club (22 The Mall, Bristol BS8)

The new book is the third in a series including the much praised Tastes of Somerset and Devon. Andrea Leeman is a writer, cook, former restaurateur, Bristol resident, and, jewel in the crown of her achievements, a member of Slow Food Bristol. She has selected the ingredients for the meal from among the fine Gloucestershire producers her book features, and we’re hoping some of the producers will be present. Andrea herself will be, of course, to tell us about the book, answer questions etc.

We’re delighted to be able to stage this event in the magnificent premises of the Clifton Club, which if you’re unfamiliar with them, constitute a reason by themselves for coming to the do. Click link above for details of the Club (founded 1818, moved in 1882 to present premises designed by the eminent Francis Greenway, the Father of Australian Architecture.)

The buffet will be prepared by the Club’s chef, Douglas “Dougie” Bonar, one of the least publicized foodie names of Bristol, in keeping with the general air of discretion about the patrician joint he officiates over, but whose background (the Savoy,etc ) indicates he can tell a mandolin from a timbal.

The menu will include:
Smoked eel on rye bread with horseradish

Gloucestershire hommity pie

Potted ham with sage and nutmeg

Roast beetroot salad with walnuts, dressed with walnut oil and sea salt
Walnut bread and local cheeses

Apple tart and cream
Included in the price is a glass of wine or perry

The damage: a mere £15 for members or £18 for non-members

There’ll be a paying bar for additional liquid sustenance.

Book asap to avoid the ignominy of standing in the Mall gaping enviously at the croute of gastro-Bristol stepping out of their carriages into the glow of chandeliers and popping of corks from jeraboams of perry.

Hyacinthe in Burkina Faso

Thank you to Hyacinthe for his fantastic update, and this wonderfully scenic picture from his recent trip in Burkina Faso - looks lovely! He also reminds us that his country have suffered from severe floods recently. More news and pictures about the flood can be found here.

Intergalactic encounters of the 3rd kind - courtesy of Rick

Some of you may have been unaware that Rick recently discovered a new galaxy. For those of us unfamiliar with astronomy, astrology, gastrology, and even astrophysics (spot the odd one out), Rick would be happy to take any of your questions on these subjects. Please drop by and ask our resident guru any interstellar questions. The above picture was designed by Rick and the Webmaster of this fantastic site about cosmology: http://theinterstellarblogofspace.blogspot.com/

Think you are the brains of the cosmos? Try our intergalactic quiz:

1. Why does Darth Vader wear that grim black suit and helmet all the time?

Because he's one ugly dude.
Because he needs it in order to breathe.
Because it symbolizes that he's evil.
Because he likes to feel special.

2. In the movie Alien the creature reproduces by laying eggs in the stomach of humans (and then bursts out). This is similar to the reproductive practice of __________________.

the black widow spider

the tsetse fly

the cockroach

3. The loveable alien in Steven Spielberg's E.T. is modeled after _______________________

a creature that Steven Spielberg dreamt about throughout his childhood.

composites of drawings by people who claimed they were abducted by aliens.

Albert Einstein and Carl Sandburg.

4. The spaceships in Star Wars often bank when they turn. Why is this scientifically impossible?

There is no gravity in space.

There is no air resistance in space.

None of the ships are equipped with air flaps.

5. How did the sound effects team create the sound of the TIE Fighters?

They dragged a violin bow over an electric guitar.

They combined the sound of a baby elephant with that of a car on wet highway.

They struck the guy wires of a power pylon.

For the answers, see Rick.

Thank you for the dress!

Ramadan has finished, and the Saudi students are back in Bristol. With the Bristol climate, we might need to be checking out overcoats, not dresses!

No other city has as many events as Bristol!

Bristol Events this weekend! (This is in addition to our Social Programme!!)

Why not get your spook on with a Haunted and Hidden Bristol walking tour? If you're a fan of 'Most Haunted' you can spend the evening shouting 'What was that? What was that? Did anyone hear that?' with real people instead of shouting it at the telly. Lots and lots to do at The Colston Hall today, but definitely check out Roni Size with guest Speech Debelle at 8PM and krazy Bristol kiddie Kid Carpet at 11PM. Finish up the night at Cosies inna dubstep style with Flora and grooving guests.


Much ado about something today at the Bristol Old Vic with Six Characters in Search of an Author. This venerable venue is on a roll at the moment with some stunning new performances, so get them while they're hot. Odema OK Jazz All-Stars bring the sound of funky Africa to St George's tonight, whilst The Zen Hussies blow the house down at The Attic Bar. Wind it up while winding it down at Cosies once again, they're playing host to the Dutty Girl Crew for a night of Dutty Bass.


Sundays are about fry-ups, that's a given. So why not have one at a place where the food is as good as the intentions? Kebele Café is a community eatery that is not for profit, and big on flavour. Eat up son! Film night at the Pierian Centre gives you the opportunity to snooze off the food and watch movies you won't see elsewhere. Get on the good foot for the charity Mind down at Ear Watt at The Golden Lion, and round off the weekend on an Afro Beat tip with regular shake-a-thon Any Given Sunday at Day & Night. The emphasis is on the chill-out apparently, but don't forget to listen to your hips.

Presentation Ceremony for ESFF Group