Doing business
Nothing about this cosmopolitan city really necessitates a different business approach to elsewhere – it boasts an urban area of around 500,000 inhabitants, so big-city rules apply. The region’s status as a major seaport has long made it no stranger to business deals, and today’s visitors will find it very much remains fertile ground for entrepreneurs. Conference Bristol provides a host of business-friendly information at www.conference-bristol.co.uk and also runs a free venue-finding service.

Hip restaurant
Sitting in the city centre on the site of a former post office, the Queen Square Dining Room & Bar enjoys a good reputation among local foodies. The restaurant has been listed in both red and blue Michelin guides, but don’t expect anything too stuffy – this is informal British dining, with a selection of draught ales to go with its wine list.

Happening bar
You’re unlikely to get bored at Oceana, which lays on seven different themed areas in one harbour-side complex. When you hear that these include Parisian Boudoir, New York Disco, Aspen Ski Lodge and Wakyama Tokyo, you’ll start to get more of an idea of what’s on offer. It runs a number of specialist nights and one-off events, and the venue has several group hire options too. Other top-notch nightlife options include Zerodegrees, Jongleurs Comedy Club, The Elbow Room and the Bristol Academy.

Cool hotel
A waterfront hotel with real character, The Hotel du Vin occupies what was once a row of listed warehouses. There are just 40 rooms, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in soul – Guardian and Observer readers voted the chain the best UK Hotel Group, and its mix of cool-and-calm décor and discreet service is a winning combination. The on-site bistro serves up imaginative European cuisine, while three event spaces are available for a maximum of 72 guests.

Must-see sight
The British Empire & Commonwealth Museum isn’t exactly a 30-minutes-to-spare visitor diversion, but if you’re lucky enough to have time on your hands it makes for a fascinating visit. The collection explores the city’s slave-trading past with sensitivity, and on a wider level looks at the pros and cons of the Empire. Further popular sights include the cathedral and Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Getting there
Regular train services run from London Paddington to Bristol, taking around one hour and 40 minutes. Rail links are also frequent to Bath, Swindon, Gloucester, Birmingham and other parts of the country. The city has two main train stations – Temple Meads is central, while Bristol Parkway sits some four miles out of town. Access by road is relatively simple, with Bristol sitting close to both the M4 and M5. Bristol International Airport has connections with a range of domestic destinations, particularly in the north and in Scotland.

Getting downtown
Buses run every 20 minutes from the airport to the city centre – £6 for a single journey, or £8 return. The same route by taxi costs around £15. A taxi booking desk is located in the covered walkway between the terminal and the car park.

The carbon cost
A return flight from Edinburgh to Bristol will cover 1,112 kilometres and emit 0.1 tonnes of CO2. Offset this with The CarbonNeutral Company from £0.75.

INSIDER’S TIP
“After a long, hard day at work, there's nothing's better than a little treat. A great sanctuary in the city is Spa Naturel at the Mercure Holland House Hotel. They offer a great range of treatments, including plenty of 30 minute treatments that you might even manage to squeeze into your lunch break!”
Louise Bicknell, Conference Sales Executive Conference Bristol

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