"I didn't intend to move here but this place chose me."
š Creative co-working in BoA and the rise of spiritual tourism.
I worked at Studio Bacchus this week - a creative co-working space in Bradford on Avon run by Ruth (art therapist, artist) and Klas (an architect).
Great set up in a beautiful building with carved stone heads of Greek gods. One guy working in the front office when I got there. Four others around a big table out back.
All very stylish and minimal - prints, plants and Ikea furniture. Tidy kitchen with a Melitta coffee machine and a wee library of design journals and interiors mags - instant calm :) I had a quick chat with the guy opposite, a software designer.
Did some emails and admin but I wasnāt in the mood for working - curious about my coworkers (ā¤ļøāš„Hottie Alert!) and felt like chatting. The girl next to me had a giant fruit on the table - dying to know what it was but she had her headphones on and I didnāt want to disturb her.
Bit too quiet for me - I canāt work in silence, it reminds me of exams. Iām used to working in cafes with music and libraries with writersā groups and kids running around. I was relieved when Klas came back and started chatting in the hall before popping over to make sure I was ok.
āIs it ok if I make a coffee?ā
āOf course. There might be some left in the machine. Thereās no dairy, but you might find some oat milk in the fridge.ā
I was just getting into it as everyone else was starting to pack up at five. She did tell me what the fruit was but Iāve forgotten sorry (menopause brain). Love that sheās commuting from her houseboat!
Iām curious to know how Klas ended up in Bradford - heās travelled a lot. āI didnāt intend to move here, but this place chose meā. The studio was a lockdown project and has ābeen done on a shoestring.ā Three architects in the front office (separate businesses), which keeps costs down and they can support each other.
The coworking space is another income stream and he keeps it admin light. He said BoA is a good place to do business. āThere are lots of interesting people here I could introduce you to.ā
Bradford Talks are starting again - āa monthly event with local speakers who share original ideas and provoke new ways of thinking through stories.ā Held at The Hall on Holt Road (gorgeous Jacobean mansion you can visit).
Also found Bradford on Avon Business on Substack - a great way to revive a stagnant Chamber of Commerce! Invite everyone to contribute.
Anyway, itās a lovely space if youāre in town and need to do some work. Just being grumpy as I arrived late and felt out of sync with the group. I need my home comforts (headphones, blanket). I felt better once Iād had a cuppa and chat - and played with the pooch!
Talking about Ikea - free tea and coffee in the cafe if you join their loyalty scheme or the HejWorkshop, which includes two hoursā free supervised childcare. Smart move as youāll end up going shopping!
Studio Bacchus @ The Vaults. 24 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1JZ (opposite the Bunch of Grapes, in the Michelin Guide).
Spiritual tourism
I went to check out the Holy Trinity, an award-winning eco church opposite the Saxon church of St Lawrence. Wow. Huge, modern and warm!
Community noticeboard, books, flyers and big tables - a portable seating area. I could hear someone sawing wood and it smelled all incense-y. I felt my shoulders drop. Sat by the rads for a bit (hot!), got my journal out, and lit a candle for my mum.
Klas said: āIāve always been really interested in that mixture between historic buildings and contemporary architecture within it.ā I agree. Man-made stone and all the hard labour that built this town. Regular events, a cafe and I can even learn the bell ropes! Our ancestors would be proud š
Made me feel really safe and held and it puts your problems into perspective. Itās a big world out there.
National Churches Trust: Explore Churches
Got my church fix again in Frome - two boys ran in behind me. āYouāve found your new bestie!ā Yeah! Must tell the comms team.
Had a chat with the pastor - mostly about politicians and property prices. Best place to start when youāre new to town as they know everybody and everything. She canāt believe her cottage is now worth half a mill.
Nearby Bruton aka the new Notting Hill is home to George Osborne, art dealers, celebs and internet billionaires. Celebrating the finer things in life (I had the best croissant from Bruton bakery at Timbrellās Yard pop-up). Lots of good schools but they dominate the townā¦
At least the kids appreciate the new Greggs ;) āA fat-making factoryā as one man called it on Facebook.
Nika x
Thanks for mentioning BoA Business. Hope to see you at one of our events!