We all have our favourite places close to home, but what if you could go beyond your own city and see what others love about theirs? Our MYcity series gives you the inside scoop, revealing the hidden gems of each city through the eyes of our very own Offspring Community members.
Next up on our MYcity Series, Community member Jamie aka jamie_jimz chats through what the city of Bristol means to him.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m Jamie, but most people know me as Jimz, and I’m from Bristol, one of the most multicultural cities in the UK. Growing up in such a vibrant environment, I was always surrounded by diverse cultures, music, and fashion, which influenced my love for streetwear and sneakers. I started collecting sneakers at the age of 16, and what began as a small hobby quickly grew into a passion for discovering rare and unique pairs that tell their own stories. Today, my collection reflects not just my personal style but also the diverse influences of the city I call home.
What was it like growing up in Bristol?
Growing up in Bristol was fantastic. With two of the best football teams within a five-mile radius of each other, weekends were often spent at the Blackthorn End, cheering on Bristol Rovers—a real highlight of my childhood.
Beyond football, the city has a rich history, with iconic landmarks and historic sites that capture the essence of Bristol’s past. But it’s not just the history or the sports that makes Bristol a standout, it’s also a hub for fashion and street style. From the vintage shops of Park Street to the urban fashion trends found in Stokes Croft, Bristol has always had a strong and diverse fashion scene.
Being surrounded by so many cultures, sports, and styles fueled my love for streetwear and shaped how I am today.
What do you remember about fashion and culture growing up in Bristol as a young kid?
School was strict about uniforms, so getting into fashion and wearing it during school wasn't easy. Luckily, I got a job at a retail shop when I was 14, which was awesome because I got half price on shoes. That's how I started my sneaker collection, buying classics like Nike BWs, Air Max 1s but mostly footy astros/boots like Adi preds and Total 90s. On weekends, my mates and I would hang around in town visiting sports shops like All Sports, Gilesports and a shop called Legends to see what was new. Legends stocked mostly skate clothing, but the skate scene was huge in Bristol too, with brands like Etnies, DCs and Vans.
Where did you hang out back then, did it spark up an interest for you? Has it changed?
In Bristol, football and skating weren’t just hobbies; they were a way of life. Growing up surrounded by die-hard football fans, I often found myself picking up the latest football tees or diving into iconic British street style with brands like Fred Perry, Adidas, and Ellesse. During my college years, I split my time between hanging out with friends on College Green, watching the skaters, and exploring the independent stores on Park Street. Shops like Fifty Fifty and Cooshti.
What's the sneaker scene like in Bristol? How has it developed?
We had some great shops like Gilesports, Icon, and 5pointz. For me, losing 5pointz hit the hardest. It was more than just a store; it was where we'd camp out to cop the latest releases, and it was even a tier 1 store. Sadly, it closed before COVID hit. Now, we're left with just the standard retail stores, which really don't compare to what you can find in London. Despite this, I'm still up for the two-and-a-half-hour trek to Offspring to get my sneaker fix. ;)
What brands are people wearing on their feet up there?
Bristol's style changes quite a bit, and these days, Birkenstocks are really popular among university students and office workers. We have a lot of running clubs, so it's common to see people in ASICS and New Balance sneakers. You don't see Travis Scott’s Jordan 1s around much, though. Air Force Ones and 110s are still around, but they're not as everywhere as they used to be a few years back.
When it comes to culture and the fashion industry, how has your city developed into what it is today?
Bristol has significantly evolved its fashion scene with the support of major stores like Harvey Nichols and John Anthony. Brands such as Represent, MKI, Carhartt, and Dickies have made a notable impact, with some even opening standalone shops or pop-up stores around the city. The skate scene continues to be a major influence, proudly represented by local brands like Skateboard Café and Parlez.
Where do you like to shop nowadays?
Working in fashion retail I tend to go from brand to brand but I do prefer the sort of fitted style. A tee with a logo on the back is a big appeal for myself I’d say. My go to stores are Route One which houses a vast amount of skate brands, or John Anthony which is more of your higher end brands so check them out.
What is your perfect itinerary for a weekend getaway
If you’re in Bristol for a weekend, grab a hotel near the harbourside. Have Breakfast at St Nick‘s market which is known for its more diverse food stools then head up to Park Street and check out the independent stores for shopping. For lunch head down to Sandwich Sandwich which you will find the most banging double tier sandwiches filled with your favourite food, this is a hidden gem for me.
From there you could check out a few of our famous Banksy art pieces and then head up to Bristol museum, grab some dinner at the canteen in Stokes Croft.
For live music, I would recommend the Fleece as it has housed some great bands such as Oasis, Hives and Radiohead. On the Sunday, walk along the harbourside then heads towards the White line which can enjoy a Sunday overlooking the historic suspension bridge.
What is your favourite hidden gem in the city?
If you're exploring Bristol, then check out Clifton Arcade in Clifton Village. It's this Victorian arcade hidden away with some odd boutiques, antique shops, and places to grab handmade stuff. It's perfect for buying unique gifts that you won't see anywhere else. It’s close to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, so you can grab some great pictures.
How does Bristol differ from other major cities in the UK?
The art, the creativity and the community spirit are what really defines Bristol as one of the best cities in the UK.
Our MYcity Series aims to highlight various cities within the UK, imparting knowledge about its history, culture, fashion, art, food, and everything in between. If you would like to get involved and represent your city, contact: OffspringHQinfo@office.co.uk
