Bristol News by HANA - Edition 56
Bristol Bites: A black horse, a robin and a pirate
Bristol Bites: A black horse, a robin and a pirate
Lloyds Bank – famed for its iconic black horse emblem – has made Bristol its “AI capital” in the UK. The bank promises a concentration of experts in our city.
As The Times reported earlier this week, Lloyds has already put more than a hundred of its senior executives through an AI training course. The aim is to help its bankers better understand AI and generative AI, and how it can be deployed to improve banking services.
Lloyds wants to explore how AI can help with its in-app virtual assistant and deal with customer complaints. More power to the bank’s elbow (or should that be fetlock?).
For a British brand as lofty as Lloyds to declare Bristol as its centre of AI excellence is a big thing. It burnishes Bristol’s burgeoning reputation as a tech hub and will, doubtless, encourage other companies to feel that brilliant Brizzle is the place to do business.
In the greater scheme of things, Bristol is part of an arc of intelligence – a curve that runs from the Avon, through Oxford and on to Cambridge. Technology-centred and, to misquote Richard Burton in the War of the Worlds, driven by minds immeasurably superior to mine.
So, the famed black horse gallops into Bristol, scoffs a bit of nosebag and looks on as the smart kids work their magic in the fast-moving realm of AI. Brains and Bristol go together. One wonders whether Sir James Dyson (inventor of quite expensive vacuum cleaners) will come to regret his decision to ditch plans for a £100 million research and development hub in our city. His business, his call, I guess. But the exit was less of a gallop and more of a scurry.
Bristol is where it’s at, Sir James. A British beacon of innovation, ingenuity and imagination.
· I was a bit miffed that Wales got thumped by England 3-0 in a football friendly last weekend at Wembley. My father was incandescent (long, ranting phone call). But then I read a report from BBC Sport. Heart-warming doesn’t do it justice.
Two Bristol football fans were among those who led out the England team. Susan (a pirate) and Adron (a robin). Bristol Rovers and Bristol City united, belting out the national anthem as superstar footballers sang along in awe and admiration.
Susan and Adron are both coping with dementia with courage and humour. Let them do the talking.
Susan: “It was amazing. I just couldn’t believe that they chose me to go. There were 78,000 people there watching the football match, and we were both out there in front of it.”
Adron: “I used to go as a youngster supporting Bristol City, and that wouldn’t have a patch on what happened last night. That was amazing. I can’t believe they went to all that trouble for an old man like me.”
I’m not tearful. I’ve just got something in my eye.
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief
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Databox
“Love all the people.” (Bill Hicks, American comedian and satirist. 1961-1994)
· The median age in Bristol is 34, according to the last census (2021). The median across England is 40.
· Bristol’s population grew by 10.3%, compared with 7.8% in the wider south-west and 6.6% for the whole of England (2021 census)
· Bristol households including a couple without children rose from 17.2% to 18.0% in the decade from 2011 to 2021. Personal choice, perhaps. But a continuing lack of affordable housing is surely a factor, too.
· Around 365,300 Bristol residents say they were born in England – 77.3% of the city’s population of roughly 472,000.
source ONS
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Best Articles From Bristol This Week
as chosen by our editors
Suspected gunman arrested after police chase BBC News - October 11, 2025 Two men were arrested following a police chase in South Gloucestershire after reports of a man with a firearm. One man, in his early 20s, was arrested on multiple charges and released under investigation, while the second man, in his late teens, was released without charge. |
Businesses concerned over south Bristol liveable neighbourhoods Bbc - Business owners are concerned that proposed one-way street conversions will hinder customer access, reduce foot traffic, and negatively impact their sales. They are urging reconsideration of the plans to strike a balance between effective traffic management and supporting a thriving shopping environment. |
Bristol City confirms club held takeover talks with Turki Alalshikh BBC Sport - October 16, 2025 Bristol City CEO Tom Rawcliffe has confirmed discussions with Saudi sports figure Turki Alalshikh regarding potential investment in the club, as majority shareholder Steve Lansdown seeks new funding to secure the club's future. While interest from both US and Middle Eastern investors is growing, Rawcliffe emphasises the need for any investment to be the right fit for the club. |
Rob Dickie signs new contract extension at Bristol City until 2028 BBC Sport - October 16, 2025 Defender Rob Dickie has secured a two-year contract extension with Bristol City after an impressive season, where he played every minute of league football and contributed seven goals in 94 appearances since joining from Queens Park Rangers. His pivotal role helped the team reach the play-offs last season, showcasing his resilience and commitment following an injury comeback. |
October: type1-diabetes UoB - October 14, 2025 A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Rebecca Foster and published in Molecular Therapy reveals a promising gene therapy approach for preventing kidney damage in type 1 diabetes, demonstrating a remarkable 64% reduction in albuminuria in a mouse model. This innovative treatment could pave the way for targeted therapies, addressing a critical need as current options only slow disease progression without tackling the root cause. |
Bristol Cable launches hybrid news and social networking app in bid to double membership Journalism - October 9, 2025 The Bristol Cable has launched a beta version of an innovative news and social networking app, designed to enhance member engagement and foster a safer online community while integrating with platforms like Bluesky and Mastodon. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Newsmast, aims to double membership to 5,000 by 2030 and reduce reliance on mainstream social media. |
Rob Dickie signs new contract extension at Bristol City until 2028 BBC Sport - October 16, 2025 Defender Rob Dickie has secured a two-year contract extension with Bristol City after an impressive season, where he played every minute of league football and contributed seven goals in 94 appearances since joining from Queens Park Rangers. His pivotal role helped the team reach the play-offs last season, showcasing his resilience and commitment following an injury comeback. |
October: knowledge-exchange-hub Bristol - October 15, 2025 Launched in 2023, the KE Hub is a UK initiative fostering collaboration between the mathematical sciences and various sectors, currently partnering with 64 university departments and 96 organisations. Starting January 2026, it will be co-hosted by the University of Bristol, enhancing its mission to promote knowledge exchange and innovation in mathematics and engineering. |
Bristol restaurant named the second best in the UK Bristol Live via Yahoo News - October 16, 2025 Bristol's Bokman, celebrated for its homely Korean cooking and ranked second best in the UK by Timeout, delights diners with dishes like charcoal grilled whole chicken and various stews. Meanwhile, Osip in Somerset has topped the list for its innovative, sustainable dining experience, earning global recognition for its plant-heavy cuisine and unique approach to food waste. |
Dropped 'Henbury Loop' train plan around Bristol may be revived BBC News - October 14, 2025 Plans are being revived for the Henbury Loop railway project in Bristol, with campaigners pushing for a circular route connecting Henbury to Avonmouth and the Severn Beach line. With new station approvals and an expected opening date for Henbury station in 2028, the West of England Combined Authority is set to reevaluate the project's potential. |
October: weight-loss-pill UoB - October 15, 2025 Oxford Medical Products' innovative hydrogel-based pill, Sirona, has shown promising results in aiding weight loss, with participants losing up to 13.5% of their body weight over six months and reporting a significant reduction in hunger. With its non-pharmacological approach and minimal side effects, Sirona offers a potential alternative for long-term weight management, especially for those with class 1 obesity. |
Sport
Bristol Bears
The Bears travel to Gloucester tonight (7.45pm kick off). The Cherry and Whites have suffered a poor start to the Premiership season – three defeats out of three and just two bonus points on the board, to leave them second bottom.
Kingsholm can be a tough place to visit, though. The Bears are also trying to cope with a freakishly long injury list. To make matters worse, they will be without Scotland international back Tom Jordan. He saw red for a high tackle in the hard fought 18-14 win over Exeter Chiefs last weekend and so is suspended.
Victory over the Chiefs at Ashton Gate was something of a statement win by the Bears. It showed they can win ugly when required. Champagne rugby can’t be served up in every fixture. Bristol lie fifth in the table and need to drive on to break into the top four.
Bristol City
The Robins are on a shocking run of form – just two points from their last four fixtures in the Championship. They travel to face Norwich at Carrow Road tomorrow at 3pm. Norwich are, if anything, in worse form than City. Here’s hoping the red Robins triumph over the yellow Canaries.
Bristol Rovers
Rovers host Tranmere at the Mem tomorrow at 3pm. The Pirates are doing OK – 14th in the League 2 table and nine points clear of the relegation zone. But last weekend’s 4-0 home defeat by MK Dons was chastening. The pirates need a win on Saturday.
Property news
'Critical' - Late cash injection rescues landmark £2.25m Bristol property project Roma Finance has provided £1.5 million in funding within four weeks for a significant property project in Bristol, highlighting their dedication to supporting innovative developments in the local real estate market. This swift financial backing is set to transform a landmark site, enhancing the area's property landscape. |
Bath landlords turning to experts to keep ventures profitable Somerset Live via Yahoo News - October 13, 2025 In response to new regulatory pressures on short-term lets, landlords in Bristol and Bath are increasingly turning to professional property managers like mySTAYINN, which offers comprehensive services to help navigate compliance and enhance profitability. With nearly 50 properties onboarded in the South West, the firm emphasizes a responsible approach to fostering sustainable visitor economies that benefit both local businesses and communities. |
Housing association celebrates topping out at Bristol scheme The Guinness Partnership recently celebrated the topping out of its 104-unit Trinity Road development in Bristol, transforming the former Trinity Road Police Station site into much-needed homes and a new police station. This collaborative project, backed by Bristol City Council and other partners, aims to tackle the housing crisis while enhancing community safety. |
J3 Advisory appointed to arrange latent defects cover for Cain and Olympian’s landmark Bristol scheme Planning, Building & Construction Today - October 15, 2025 Cain and Olympian Homes have partnered with J3 Advisory to secure latent defects insurance for the 28-storey St James House redevelopment in Bristol, which will offer over 590 student and co-living beds. This crucial insurance protects against hidden defects and ensures financial stability in the purpose-built student accommodation sector, as highlighted by industry leaders Johnny Leadsom and Oliver Cummings. |
Minimum space standards for co-living could be introduced in Bristol after fears flats could be too small Business Live - October 14, 2025 Bristol City Council is exploring the introduction of minimum space standards for new co-living flats, proposing an 18 square meter bedroom size to enhance living conditions and address concerns about cramped accommodations. Public consultation on this initiative will run until November 17, aiming to establish guidelines for room dimensions and essential furnishings in future developments. |
Bristol's most affordable areas as estate agents name top five Bristol Live - October 11, 2025 Discover affordable property options in Bristol, where areas like BS2, Patchway, and Little Stoke offer homes under £300k amid rising house prices. With community spirit, convenient transport links, and upcoming developments, these neighborhoods present excellent investment potential for families and first-time buyers alike. |
Hundreds of new homes to be built in town on Bristol's outskirts Bristol Live via Yahoo News - October 13, 2025 Ladden Garden Village, a new housing development in Yate near Bristol, will feature 2,000 shared ownership homes from Bromford, offering buyers the chance to own between 25% and 75% of their property with amenities like RSPB-friendly gardens, play areas, and a Sainsbury’s Local. Construction is set to begin in early 2027, aiming for completion by 2028 or 2029, making homeownership more accessible in the region. |
EDF’s Bristol office on the market for £29m with JLL 1000 Aztec West in Bristol is on the market for £28.5 million, boasting a 15-year lease with EDF Energy that generates nearly £2 million annually and sets a record office rent in the area. Recently refurbished at a cost of £17 million, the building achieves a BREEAM Excellent rating, making it an attractive investment opportunity. |
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
Circus City Festival: Ongoing throughout October, with bold circus performances blending physical arts and social themes at venues across the city.
Halloween & Ghost Tours: Bristol Ghost Tours is running nightly through Sunday, plus special events like a Paranormal Investigation at Clearwell Caves (18 Oct) and several Halloween-themed club nights, including “Riot Bristol Halloween” at Lakota (18 Oct).
Music & Club Nights: Live sets from The Complete Stone Roses at The Fleece (18 Oct), Ultimate Coldplay (tribute) at BAWA, and ABBA vs party at Blame Gloria.
Comedy: Matt Green’s comedy show at The Hen and Chicken (19 Oct) and other stand-up events around the city.
All photos are credited to source articles or Mark Riley unless otherwise specified.
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