From salons to boutique townhouse stays, and Bristol’s winning bar venue
The stunning 6 O’clock Gin at The Glassboat(Image: 6 O’clock Gin)
The recent Muddy Stilettos Awards shone a light on a number of local Bristol businesses, this week.
It also named Bristol gin bar 6 O’Clock Gin at The Glassboat among the best bar in the country, taking the crown in its category at the regional awards ceremony.
But this year’s list included a vast number of Bristol businesses in amongst the finalists, in categories including yoga/pilates studio, sport and fitness instructor, hair salon, children’s business, boutique stay, and beauty salon.
So we thought we would compile a list of them all, so our Bristol readers can check them out next time their in the market for one of their services.
The Awards, now in their 12th year, saw some half a million votes cast this year by readers of the award-winning lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos, and this year’s awards have been dubbed the most popular to date, reaching more than 11 million people nationally in eight weeks.
Here are Bristol’s finalists and what previous customers have said about them…
Sona Pilates
Address: 253 Wells Road, Knowle, BS4 2PH
Sona Pilates offers online pilates classes, as well as in-person classes at its Bristol pilates studio.
It currently boasts a five-star Google rating. One review reads: “I started Pilates at Sona Pilates a year ago as a complete novice, and have fallen in love with Pilates and Sona Pilates.
“There are a huge range of classes to choose from each week. Leanne is a wonderful teacher – so enthusiastic, encouraging and always ready for a giggle!
“I always finish a class with a sense of achievement. And the Sona Community means there is the feel of a live class at your local studio while also the convenience being at home.”
Sarah Wässer PT
Address: 31 Laurie Crescent, BS9 4SZ
Sarah is described as offering ‘realistic, achievable health and fitness coaching that fits around your schedule’, through personal training, small group training, pilates, mobility training, and wellness coaching.
With a five-star Google rating, one review reads: “Sarah is by far one of the most reliable, professional, kind, high-spirited, and motivating people I have ever worked with.
“I have been training with Sarah since the beginning of April this year (2022) and already feel stronger an more confident about myself.
“She keeps me motivated all the time and is always available to talk to and give feedback & advice.
“Sarah has also provided ample nutritional info & advice and is always flexible with her schedule in order to fit in her clients needs. I strongly recommend Sarah without any hesitation!”
Lori Lori
Lori Lori hair salon on Chandos Road, Bristol
Address: 23 Chandos Road, Redland, BS6 6PG
Described as ‘an eco-friendly hair salon in Redland, where beauty meets sustainability’, Lori Lori offers cuts, styles, treatments and colours.
It too boasts a five-star Google rating, with one reviewer writing: “Going to Lori Lori is like a warm hug!
“I actually used to loathe going to the hairdressers. Always used to feel like it was such a big chunk of time I would never get back but since going to Lori (at least 5 years if not much more!!) it feels like time well spent!
“The hair goes without saying, and I am always complemented, but it’s the company and camaraderie created by Lori and now Hannah that gives me the satisfaction of spending large chunks of time in the salon!
“Now my whole family is involved and my girls both boast Lori Lori hair from the amazing talent of both Loren and Hannah. Thank you girls.”
ILO
Address: 240-248 West Street, Bedminster, BS3 3NE
ILO is a ‘joyful, sustainable fashion’ brand and clothing store for children, born from owner Violeta Llano’s love for organic, comfortable and fun clothing which she believes “every child deserves”.
Another five-star rated Google business, one reviewer says: “We’ve got quite a collection of ILO clothing now, and we love it!
“Not only are they nice to look at, they are super soft and practical and they last longer than 1 year. My son is on his second winter of his romper, or it might be third!? AND it’s organic. Yes!! Lovely brand, lovely people, lovely clothes.”
The Bristol Lido in Clifton(Image: A.Pattenden / Bristol Lido)Lido Townhouse
Address: Oakfield Place, Clifton, BS8 2BJ
The Lido Townhouse is a five-bedroom Georgian townhouse located just a stone’s throw from the Lido Spa and Restaurant.
The beds here are handmade in the UK, and boast fine linens, soft furnishings, free WiFi, large 40″ mounted TVs, Nespresso coffee machines, and a selection of teas, organic products and access to the Lido Pool and Spa throughout their stay.
Boasting a 4.2 TripAdvisor rating, one reviewer says: “Nice newly renovated place to stay just opposite the Lido with the option to use the Lido spa.
“Very comfortable bed and peaceful at night so slept very well. Friendly and helpful staff.
“Very much enjoyed my stay as a previous Lido member returning for a trip down memory lane. The Lido itself is as fabulous as ever…more than just an outdoor pool and a spa…a community where everyone can find a home for a few days. Looking forward to the next visit.”
Artist Residence
(Image: Paul Gillis/Bristol Live)
Address: 28 Portland Square, St Paul’s, BS2 8SA
Another Georgian townhouse making it to the list of finalists this year, Artist Residence is unique in the fact that it was an old boot factory and is now a rather eccentric home in the heart of the city.
With a 4.4 star rating on Google, one review reads: “This is the BEST hotel in Bristol!!
“I highly recommend this amazing and beautiful place. They have such a unique atmosphere and I loved all the little details they have from the reception to my gorgeous room. Absolutely stunning!
“My room has a wonderful view and every single piece of the room was “artistically” perfect! I loved my room so much.”
Kabuki
Address: 127 Coldharbour Road, Redland, BS6 7SN
Described as ‘the ultimate destination for modern beauty infused with a positive bohemian ambiance’, the team at Kabuki say they are “passionate about empowering people and helping everyone feel great about themselves”.
Services on the ‘beauty menu’ include manicures and pedicures, nail extensions, brow and lash services, and waxing. You can also get piercings and microblading treatments here too.
With five stars on Google, one reviewer says: “Kabuki is so welcoming, clean and full of talented, friendly and positive females.
“I have seen Darylle for several years and wouldn’t trust or go to anyone else for my microbladed eyebrows. They are just fantastic!
“Everyone comments on how great they look and last. A billion stars for Darylle, a gem of an artist and human being.”
6 O’Clock Gin at The Glassboat
The stunning 6 O’clock Gin at The Glassboat(Image: 6 O’clock Gin)
Address: Welsh Back, BS1 4SB
Located in Welsh Back in central Bristol, right on Bristol’s waterfront, 6 O’Clock Gin at The Glassboat is described as a ‘showcase venue’ and waterfront gin bar, where you can choose from a selection of G&T’s, gin cocktails, and a range of beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks and snacks.
Boasting a 4.6 star Google rating, one review reads: “Absolutely fantastic venue, so delighted that my favourite Gin distillers have a permanent place in the city.”
While a second says: “All drinks are freshly prepared from seasonal ingredients. The quality of drinks is outstanding without unnecessary amounts of sugar to fix the flavour.
“Highly recommend Martini’s and olives combo. The view from the boat is unforgettable and soothing.”