'There's a real community here' Redland's riding high

REDLAND was recently named among the coolest postcodes in the country by the Sunday Times, but local residents insist there is far more to their neighbourhood than the Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy cafes that attract visitors from across Bristol.

- Ellie KENDALL

Simon Pudney, manager of the Skyboat Cafe in Redland

The BS6 area is famous for the highly praised independent eateries of Chandos Road, but those who live there say the true charm lies in its tight-knit community network.

This latest accolade has put a renewed spotlight on the area, which is well known for its sprawling Victorian villas and leafy avenues.

Geographically, Redland is a part of the city where the exact boundaries are frequently debated by the people who live and work there.

A visit to the area on a wet January afternoon revealed thriving hubs of cosy community activity that contrast sharply with the shuttered premises of former chain stores.

The damp winter weather did little to dampen the spirits of the local shoppers who were bustling between the independent boutiques and bakeries.

Simeon Pudney manages the local Skyboat Cafe, an independent business which has operated successfully in the area for six years.

He said: "Being a relatively affluent area, there's a lot of people who are looking for things to do with their kids, and I think there's a bit of a community up here.

"We get a lot of young people coming in with each other, too."

"We don't get a lot of the footfall that you might get on Gloucester Road or Whiteladies Road or places like that. But you do get a bit more of a word-of-mouth community around here, which is really special."

Mr Pudney said the abundance of local independent businesses is the primary reason why he feels this particular Bristol postcode has been ranked among the best in the country.