The trio have enjoyed their Sidmouth visit, but it is time to pack up the car, and move on. Bristol is the destination, and Toni will leave us, and catch the train to Derby. The Pharts son Andrew and his partner Neethd are living in Bristol, and we meet Andrew for a coffee.
The Pharts settle in to their hotel, the Futures Inn, near Cabot Circus, and head off for an explore. The four of us dine that evening at “Root”, a mainly vegetarian restaurant near Wapping wharf. Being a Friday night, the city is very busy, with lots of people out enjoying themselves.
After a pleasant breakfast at a nearby Pret a Manger, the Pharts drive over to Andrew and Neethd’s flat in Brislington. After meeting their flatmates, Andrew has a walk organised for us, followed by a pub lunch. The walk was on the south eastern edge of Bristol, at Hanham Lock. A nice walk in the countryside, followed by a pint and some food. We drop Andrew and Neethd back to their home, then back to the hotel for us. The FA Cup final is on in the afternoon .. Manchester City v Chelsea.
For our evening dinner, we pop across the road to the Cabot Circus food court, and Wagamamma, a casual Asian restaurant chain. Decent food at a decent price.
For our final day in Bristol, we do an organised two hour walking tour, from “ Blackbeard to Banksy”. The latter is an anonymous street artist, originally from the Bristol area. A number of his early works were removed, until the Council realised he had become popular! An interesting tour, with our guide Owen very knowledgeable and personable.
We then drop not needed bags at Andrew and Neethd’s flat, and check in to the Hampton Hilton Bristol airport hotel, ready for our early flight to Malta tomorrow.