The Place
As of October 2021 there is only one interesting central Bristol hotel: the new Artist Residence on the corner of Portland Square and Cave Street, minutes’ walk from the city centre. We list all the other Artist Residences: Brighton, Penzance, South Leigh (Oxfordshire) and London.
Justin Salisbury and his wife Charlotte (for their story see our review of the Brighton Artist Residence) have hit the spot unerringly in their latest opening, defying the financial challenges of lockdown to realize their latest vision of shabby-chic comfort. Our reporter (who is the wrong side of 70) immediately felt stimulated and at ease in a place whose core audience is probably 30-50 year olds who prefer wearing black T shirts under a jacket rather than shirt with collar.
The large town house’s varied history adds to the atmosphere: it has been a private residence and a boot factory, but it’s comfortable because the basics are right: good beds, sparkling (but some smallish) bathrooms, thorough sound proofing. See the photos to get an idea of Justin’s often witty choices of art for the walls.
Two highlights: on the ground floor, the huge downstairs bar/ casual dining area. Here you can sit around a table tennis table with drinks, eats and do conversational ping pong, net still in place.
At the top of the building The Lookout Suite, with a spiral staircase from the bedroom to a sitting room and balcony that wraps round the whole room. Perfect hideaway for two-day tryst, or longer.