Bristol News by HANA - Edition 73
Bristol Bites: Gut feeling
From our Editor,
Bristol Bites: Gut feeling
It’s official. Bristol is the happiest city in Britain. That’s according to in-depth research conducted by Biotiful Gut Health (who?).
Apparently, Bristolians experienced 33 “moments of happiness” over an ill-defined period. Close behind were Cardiff (32), Liverpool (31) and Oxford (29).
“Moments of happiness” are also described as “joyful moments”. The mind boggles. What constitutes joyful? One is tempted to quote the late, great singer Ian Drury: “Sex and drugs and rock and roll.” But who knows? Joyful for one person could be walking the dog on the Downs. For another, it might be The Bears beating Bath in the rugby. In my case, it was collecting my son’s GCSE results some 10 years ago.
“Happiness” is fiendishly difficult to define. In fact, it’s a pointless exercise. And certainly not worthy of manufacturing a league table.
Sources close to, er, myself have revealed that the Office for National Statistics has a special folder marked “Utter Bollocks”. They fish it out at Christmas parties so they can have a jolly good titter. One suspects this “joyful moments” research will feature strongly come Yuletide.
Bristol is, indeed, a happy place. By and large. Cool people - the majority of whom behave with courtesy and kindness. But measuring “happiness”? Do me a favour.
However, it’s important to name and shame the least happy (or joyful) city in Britain. And the winner is (drum roll)… Sheffield!
Sheffield is in Yorkshire. Rumour has it that Yorkies are paid a secret government grant to be professionally grumpy. The idea is that their grumpiness will attract tourists.
For serious stats, scroll down to our Data Box. It’s about transport. Sounds a bit boring? Read on. It’s actually remarkably interesting. Travel well.
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief
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Scroll down for best of Instagram, Data Box, sport, property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Best Articles From Bristol This Week
as chosen by our editors
11 reasons why I love living in Bristol as it's named happiest city to live in Bristol is celebrated as the UK's happiest city due to its vibrant community, cultural diversity, thriving arts scene, ample green spaces, and commitment to sustainability, all of which create a lively and inclusive atmosphere for residents. |
Bristol lands Archer defence hub, hiring engineers for British Army tech The new Bristol hub is driving innovation by partnering with Anduril UK and GKN to enhance British Army capabilities through advanced technologies, while also recruiting engineers to develop hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft for sustainable aviation solutions. This initiative underscores a strong commitment to advancing military technology and eco-friendly aerospace advancements. |
Pastor accused of 'inciting religious hatred' with UK street sermon, legal advocacy group says Fox News - February 17, 2026 Pastor Dia Moodley, a 58-year-old preacher from Bristol, was arrested for "inciting religious hatred" during a street sermon, raising concerns over the policing of religious expression in the U.K. His case, supported by ADF UK, highlights fears of de facto blasphemy laws and the potential criminalisation of lawful speech amid broader discussions on freedom of expression. |
Inside Bristol’s Aviva Arena, the U.K.’s Next Major Live Music Venue: ‘This Is Going to Change the City’ Billboard - February 19, 2026 Plans for the Aviva Arena, a new 20,000-capacity venue set to enhance Bristol's music scene, were unveiled with an expected opening in late 2028. The project aims to generate a £1 billion boost to the local economy and create thousands of jobs, utilising historic Brabazon hangars and promoting sustainability through 100% electric energy and carbon neutrality. |
News | Amazon secures next UK big-box deal in Bristol Costar - Epta Development Corporation and Stoford have joined forces to launch a new real estate development project, though specific details remain under wraps. This collaboration highlights the growing trend of partnerships in the industry, aimed at enhancing urban development and positively impacting local economies. |
UK scientist creates futuristic shoe which can prevent the elderly from falling over The Independent - February 18, 2026 Dr. Jiayang Li from the University of Bristol has created an innovative shoe designed to help elderly individuals maintain their balance, featuring a smart insole with hundreds of sensors that monitor gait and predict fall risks. With plans for clinical evaluation and potential mass production, this groundbreaking technology aims to significantly improve the lives of older adults. |
Explore the 15 Bristol areas where the fewest crimes were reported in 2025, including Troopers Hill Discover Bristol's safest neighbourhoods for 2025, featuring Troopers Hill, Clifton, and Henleaze among the top 15 areas with the fewest reported crimes. These communities thrive on low population density, active engagement, and effective policing, fostering a secure and welcoming environment for residents. |
Bristol and Somerset amnesty for types of blank firing pistol BBC News - February 16, 2026 Avon and Somerset Police are urging owners of certain Bruni top-venting blank firing pistols to surrender them by February 27, due to concerns that these models can be easily converted to fire live ammunition, posing serious risks. This initiative comes in response to five homicides linked to these firearms since 2023, highlighting the dangers associated with their use in organised crime. |
How to interfere with jury trials, and lose The Bristol Cable - February 19, 2026 A jury acquitted six Palestine Action activists, known as the Filton 6, of aggravated burglary for damaging an Israeli weapons factory, following a High Court ruling that deemed their group's proscription as a terrorist organisation unlawful. This case highlights ongoing tensions between protest rights and government actions amid rising scrutiny over the UK's complicity in Israel's military operations in Gaza. |
Mass 50 people brawl outside Bristol pub 'involving groups with differing views' Daily Mirror - February 15, 2026 Police intervened in a violent clash involving around 50 individuals outside the Red Lion Pub in Bristol, where a far-right group reportedly harassed patrons. Although no arrests were made, authorities are reviewing footage and seeking public assistance for information regarding the incident. |
Data Box
This week we focus on transport. Specifically, transport for those people whom the current government is prone to describe as “working people”. Possibly the vaguest phrase in contemporary politics. Here we go.
Electric vehicle public charging devices (per 100,000 population). Bristol 39.0, vastly lower than the national local authority average of 93.2 in 2025. A surprising stat. Scratch your heads to think of a reason for that. Perhaps the Greens have an answer.
Travel time to employment centre by bicycle (minutes). Bristol 8.1, a little below the national local authority average of 9.9. Keep pedalling, Bristolians. The data is from 2019, so a tad crusty.
Travel time to employment centre by car (minutes). Bristol 6.9, slightly quicker than the national local authority average of 7.6. Again, slightly wrinkly data from 2019.
Travel time to employment centre by public transport and walking (minutes). Bristol 8.7, a bit nippier than the national local authority average of 11.5. From 2019. Perhaps the Office for National Statistics needs to put its foot down on data collection.
Conclusions? By foot, pedal and engine, Bristolians are faster into the workplace than the average Brit.
The relative (and huge) difference in the number of electric vehicle public charging points from the national average is perplexing. Perhaps the Greens could deal with the issue. Once they have sorted out vagrant vans on our delightful Downs.
Source: ONS
Best Of Instagram
Property News
20,000 overdue repairs to Bristol council homes - but botched IT project means figures can't be trusted Yahoo News - February 17, 2026 Bristol City Council is grappling with unreliable data from a troubled new IT system, leading to an alarming rise in reported overdue repairs for council homes—now nearly 20,000—despite many likely being completed but not updated. This situation has drawn criticism from the Regulator of Social Housing and highlights the urgent need for accurate tracking to ensure quality service and accountability. |
Bristol PBSA investment opportunity launched UK Property Forums - February 16, 2026 A new purpose-built student accommodation investment opportunity has emerged near the University of the West of England’s Frenchay Campus, featuring 50 bedspaces designed for diverse student needs and projected to yield an annual rental income of approximately £677,000 by the 2026/27 academic year. With Bristol's student housing market facing significant demand-supply challenges, this fully managed investment promises long-term growth potential. |
The van dwellers left with no option but to live on the kerb Sky News - February 15, 2026 Ellen and Steve, a couple in their late sixties, navigate life in a van after personal loss and financial struggles prevent them from securing permanent housing amidst the rising trend of van dwelling in cities like Bristol and Brighton. As tensions grow between van dwellers and local residents over sanitation issues, councils are caught between supporting vulnerable individuals and enforcing eviction measures. |
Demand for office space in Bristol soars and rents set to rise Business Live - February 20, 2026 In 2025, Bristol's office market thrived with a workspace demand of 926,000 sq ft, exceeding historical averages and establishing the city as a leader in rental rates at £50 per sq ft. Key transactions, including Hargreaves Lansdown's significant relocation and Burges Salmon's expansion, underscore the city's robust economic climate and potential for future growth. |
Woman who won £4.5million Omaze mansion sells it to buy family homes Bristol Live - February 19, 2026 June Smith, a 77-year-old from Essex, transformed her life by winning a £4.5 million mansion in the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, using the proceeds from its sale to secure her children's financial futures and create lasting memories with her family. Now living in Fowey, Cornwall, she enjoys the local culture and reflects on her win as a dream come true that has positively impacted her entire family. |
Seven-bed Bristol home with indoor pool hits market for £985k (aff) Discover this exquisite seven-bedroom family home in Bristol, where elegant Georgian architecture meets modern comforts. With spacious living areas, leisure facilities, and a generous garden, it’s the perfect haven for relaxation and entertaining, all while enjoying the charm of suburban life close to the vibrant city. |
Reach Bristol’s most discerning property investors - to list your property here contact [email protected]
Sport
Bristol Bears
Another defeat for The Bears in the Prem Rugby Cup, this time at the hands of arch rivals Bath at The Rec.
A scoreline of 33-24 is no disgrace away from home. No bonus point, but a much needed run out for winger Ibitoye, who scored a try. Scrum half Harry Randall also crossed the whitewash as he returns to fitness.
Bristol are rooted to the bottom of their pool group, but they don’t appear to care very much. They are obliged to play cup fixtures, but the league is their priority.
Next up is a clash with Sale at home in the cup on 28 February. Then the Bears can take a break as the Six Nations draws to a conclusion over March. League action beckons thereafter.
Bristol City
City snatched a point against Wrexham in a 2-2 draw at Ashton Gate on Tuesday night. The Red Dragons are the Hollywood club (thanks to superstar owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac). But the Robins needed all three points.
The men in red now lie in ninth place. They need sixth to claim a playoff place and a shot at the Premier League. As things stand, mid-table mediocrity looks more likely than fixtures against Liverpool and Arsenal next season.
Bristol City face Swansea City away on Saturday lunchtime. The Robins versus The Swans. A proper peck-off.
Bristol Rovers
A 2-0 reverse away to Oldham Athletic was, perhaps, no great surprise last Saturday. The defeat leaves The Pirates in peril - just two points off the drop into non-league status. The plank is well and truly wobbling.
Next up? Grimsby Town visit the Mem tomorrow at 3pm. The Mariners are occasionally mocked for smelling a bit fishy. But they lie 10th in League Two - well above Rovers.
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
City‑wide festivals and big events
Bristol Light Festival – Free outdoor light installations and interactive pieces around the centre and harbourside, running 19–28 February, so fully on this weekend.
From Ashes (interactive event) – Immersive art/theatre-style experience at M Shed on the Harbourside, listed for 21–22 February and pitched at families, community‑minded visitors and art/theatre fans.
Gigs, nights out and pop culture
The Bon Jovi Experience – Tribute band at The Fleece, Friday 7pm, central Bristol.
Tropical Wave: Bristol Dancehall & Soca Experience – Late‑night event at PAM PAM, Saturday 21 Feb, 10pm.
Between The Buried And Me – Metal/prog band at The Fleece, Sunday 22 Feb, 7pm.
Niche, geeky and family‑friendly
Animangapop Bristol Winter! – Anime/manga and J‑culture event at the Future Inn, Cabot Circus, Saturday from 10:30am.
Bristol Card Show / Orbit Card Show – Trading card show (sports, TCG etc.), held at Thornbury Leisure Centre on Saturday 21 Feb; tickets via Bristol Card Show/Eventbrite.
Roll West – Roller Disco – Roller disco sessions on Sunday from 11am at School of Christ the King Primary, Bristol.
All photos are credited to source articles unless otherwise specified.
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