An American couple, Jeremy and Cara, known for their YouTube channel The Magic Geekdom, have recently concluded their first visit to Bristol, UK, inspired by fans who described the city as the “coolest” in the country. The duo, who boast 72,800 subscribers, expressed their surprise and delight at the charm and vibrancy of Bristol, which they described as both “incredible” and “not what we expected.”

During their stay, the couple showcased Bristol’s unique blend of maritime history and modern culture, including its renowned street art and engineering feats. As Cara noted in their video, “We are spending the next few days exploring Bristol, a city known for its maritime history and modern culture, among a lot of other things.” She went on to highlight some of the architectural contrasts, remarking on a building with a unicorn on the top and how the city provided an array of “cool things” to see.

A particular highlight of their culinary exploration was their visit to Low and Slow Barbecue, located within St Nicholas Market. Both Cara and Jeremy were visibly impressed after tasting the brisket, with Cara declaring, “This is hands down the best brisket we have had in the UK. It is really hard to come by here and this is not only the best but one of the best we have ever had including all of our travels throughout all of the southern United States.” The popularity of the eatery, underscored by queues of patrons, was explained by the quality of their offerings, with Cara advising future visitors to make it a stop on their travel itinerary.

For accommodation, the couple opted for a unique stay at the Brooks Guesthouse, residing in one of the “Retro Rocket” caravans atop the hotel, from which they enjoyed views of the city centre. They labelled it “the coolest accommodation we have ever stayed in” and proceeded to explore important landmarks including the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Britain.

Cara reflected on the Clifton Suspension Bridge, stating, “Seeing it from this angle, you really get a sense of what a huge accomplishment it is,” recognising the engineering prowess of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who designed it in the 1830s.

The SS Great Britain, a steamship that holds a significant place in the city’s history, was another point of interest. Cara remarked on the ship’s compelling journey, noting its abandonment in the Falkland Islands during the 1880s before its restoration in Bristol in the 1970s. She described it as an “incredible ship,” highlighting the unique fact that it remains in the dry dock where it was originally built.

During their exploration, the couple also encountered the vacant pedestal previously occupied by the statue of slave trader Edward Colston. This statue was removed during the Black Lives Matter protests in June 2020. While visiting the M Shed museum, Cara noted, “We saw the empty place he was supposed to be yesterday,” reflecting on the impactful discussions surrounding the statue and its significance.

Seeking a local experience, they reached out to Bristol comedian John Robins, who shared his favourite spots in the city, including “The Hare on the Hill” and “The Highbury Vaults,” which features an electric train running through the pub. Following his recommendations, Jeremy and Cara enjoyed Bristol’s nightlife but admitted to feeling fatigued the next day.

In summarising their experience, Cara expressed their enjoyment and how they were struck by the city’s appeal. “We really enjoyed our time here,” she stated, adding that they would consider living in Bristol if they were to reside in the UK. Their video prompted various responses from fans, with one suggesting that the couple should return to experience Bristol in the summer, as it transforms into a lively hub filled with activity. Another fan expressed gratitude for their positive feedback on the local food scene, appreciating the American endorsement.

Source: Noah Wire Services