Gridlock this afternoon throughout Bristol City Centre
We're all looking forward to Thursday's opening of Babylon Towers (aka. Cabot Circus) Bristol's grand temple to the gods of consumerism and this is the price Bristolians have to pay for the Bristol Alliance's frantic 'fire brigade' management (no slight on the FBU of course).
Today's total gridlock in Bristol City Centre also reminds us how much we need a congestion charge so that only the wealthy can afford to drive into town and Crapita can found an entirely new tax out of nothing to boost their share price. And no mention of the big story of the afternoon on the BBC Website of course as that might spoil their massive feature on the opening week of the Biggest Circus in Town. http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/cabot_circus/index.shtml
Evening Post must be hoping for lots of Advertising revenue from the new centre a fawning article - wait for the comments though - see below
Video: Inside Harvey Nichols at Cabot Circus
Tuesday, September 23, 2008, 08:00
After more than six years in the pipeline, Stella McCartney, Vera Wang and host of designers are now finally in place, ready to bring “luxury for all” to Bristol.
It was in January 2002 when the Bristol Evening Post first reported Harvey Nichols’ interest in moving to what was then still known only as the Broadmead redevelopment. At the time its only other UK stores were in London, Leeds and Birmingham, although it has since also opened in Edinburgh and Manchester.
Tomorrow, Bristol’s very own Harvey Nic’s opens as the flagship store within the £500 million Cabot Circus And staff at the upmarket, designer department store are busy “making sure everything is perfect”, as these pictures giving Bristol Evening Post readers a sneak preview inside the building attest.
Sue Stone, general manager of the store, said: “We are so busy putting everything out and making sure everything is perfect for the opening, but for me the real work starts when we welcome those first customers through the door. That is the part I’m most looking forward to.
“Harvey Nichols is about luxury for all, whether you’re buying a Soap & Glory ‘Clean of England’ shower gel at £5 or a £3,000 Zagliani bag.”
As you step into the store, you immediately notice the areas are defined by different materials, with lacquered fuchsia panels on one wall and gold panelling on another.
Renowned French interior designer Christian Biecher says this use of contrasting materials and textures was inspired by the city’s famous and diverse music scene.
On the grand floor, the perfumes and accessories are dazzling. Stationed in front of the entrance is a Tokyo Lash Bar, where customers can get beauty treatments, including Shu Uemura eyelashes, which are popular with celebrities like Madonna and Dita Von Teese.
As you travel up the escalator to the first floor you can trace the bold black chrome lattice metal screen, which is a feature that runs throughout the store.
This floor houses the women’s wear. The designer garments from names never before seen in Bristol, such as Stella McCartney and Balenciaga sit neatly on their black and chrome racks waiting to be unwrapped. A pair of Stella McCartney jeans can be snapped up for £210, while a black short-sleeved top with gold detail by Dolce & Gabbana is priced at £95. Shoppers can pick up an evening dress by Vera Wang for £330.
There is also a personal shopping suite on this floor, offering customers appointments with personal stylists.
On the second floor is men’s wear, as well as the Harvey Nichols’ signature top-floor restaurant and bar, food market and well-stocked wine shop.
The restaurant and bar, where shoppers can enjoy a glass of champagne from £9.50, have a separate entrance on Penn Street, allowing them to open independent of the main store.
Stationed near the restaurant on the second floor is the Harvey Nichols Foodmarket, specialising in its own-label collection of products with a large selection of food and drink from around the world. One of the cheapest products the Bristol Evening Post could find in the store was its own-label English Tea at £3.25 for a 125g box. One of the most expensive was a Balenciaga catwalk dress at almost £2,000.
The 35,000sq ft Harvey Nichols anchors the Quakers’ Friar part of Cabot Circus, which, like its flagship store, opens for the first time to Bristol shoppers tomorrow. http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Video-Inside-Harvey....html
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Erm, I think you'll find that 12 inches is a foot.
Frank, Bristol
commented on 23-Sep-2008 19:00
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Oh no, there it is. It wasn't there before. Something strange is afoot...
Barnaby Farquhar, Clifton
commented on 23-Sep-2008 16:34
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Space Monster, my previous comment appears to have been removed, even though it wasn't offensive in any way.
I just said that we can dispense with the need for a carnation. If Raymond doesn't mind, who am i to argue?
Barnaby Farquhar, Clifton
commented on 23-Sep-2008 16:34
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Excellent. You won't need to wear the carnation, nor will we need to meet under a clock!
I shall look forward to making your acquaintance young man (?)
Barnaby Farquhar, Clifton
commented on 23-Sep-2008 16:29
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Thanks Barnaby, but I think you should know that I have 12 tentacles and a large compound eye where my mouth should be.
Space Monster, Bristol
commented on 23-Sep-2008 16:22
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Typical Bristolians. Bring a bit of class to the city and they all start moaning. Are you all so scared of change? Are you the same people that bemoaned the state of 'ugly, 70s Broadmead'?
G Cateswell, Bristol
commented on 23-Sep-2008 16:21
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Well Space Monster, it looks as though it'll just be the 2 of us!
Fancy a spot of bubbly in Raymond Blanc's?
Barnaby Farquhar, Clifton
commented on 23-Sep-2008 16:15
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Poor people, they're like sooo boring. No Steve, £9.50 is not a lot of money for Bolly and Mike, can you get jeans for less than £210 ?? Ok, so your parents lived into their nineties washing their hair with soap. But did they look fabulous ? Steve, keep shopping at Primarks and look dowdy and drab if you like, but I know where I'll be going.
Space Monster, Bristol
commented on 23-Sep-2008 16:13
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It's very refreshing to see that so many people will be boycotting Cabot Circus.
I won't need to be driven to London to pick up my knick knacks now, i can swan into an empty Harvey Nicks.
It appears that the only people complaining about this is the people that can't afford the most expensive items. Not everyone is the same and there will be a lot of business done here.
I can't wait.
Barnaby Farquhar, Clifton
commented on 23-Sep-2008 16:13
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what a waste of money. more like Debenhams or BHS except more expensive and no doubt the quality although looking good is on par with Primark. I won't be able to afford to shop there anad won't be going to the Circus as it is under cover and I hate shopping in over priced Malls
mr, bristol
commented on 23-Sep-2008 15:52
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oh well looks like i will have to win the lottery to shop there 9, 50 for a glass of champers i can have a night out for that in the local
steve, bristol
commented on 23-Sep-2008 15:34
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Quote ... "A pair of Stella McCartney jeans can be snapped up for £210" ....
Oh yes, I can picture the huge rush for these jeans right now ;-)
Quote ... Harvey Nichols is about luxury for all, whether you’re buying a Soap & Glory ‘Clean of England’ shower gel at £5".
When I were a lad, we used to go to the corner shop, propped up by old rotten timbers, and buy a bar of SOAP. That did for everything, washing hair included. My parents both lived well into their nineties, and dad had a full head of hair still, so SOAP is still the thing to buy. (if you can still get it) :-)
Mike B, Bristol
commented on 23-Sep-2008 10:02
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Well that was a nice little video. Made my breakfast-time delighful. It looks just like the inside of any other major store. At least the video gave me my "shopping FIX", so I don't need to travel all that way to Bristol now. Actually reflecting on that video, I am surprised they allowed it in there, as to me it was a DIS-Advert (if there is such a thing) and made the place look awful, specially that lovely scenic view to a wall from the Restaurant area. YUK.
Tansy Pops, Cardiff
commented on 23-Sep-2008 09:50
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Opening just in time for the recession, i look forward to spending an hour or two window shopping.
David O, Bristol
commented on 23-Sep-2008 09:40
make this your indymedia front page
Tuesday September 23, 2008 17:30
by Tony Gosling
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Jump To Comment: 1Evening Post must be hoping for lots of Advertising revenue from the new centre a fawning article - wait for the comments though - see below
Video: Inside Harvey Nichols at Cabot Circus
Tuesday, September 23, 2008, 08:00
After more than six years in the pipeline, Stella McCartney, Vera Wang and host of designers are now finally in place, ready to bring “luxury for all” to Bristol.
It was in January 2002 when the Bristol Evening Post first reported Harvey Nichols’ interest in moving to what was then still known only as the Broadmead redevelopment. At the time its only other UK stores were in London, Leeds and Birmingham, although it has since also opened in Edinburgh and Manchester.
Tomorrow, Bristol’s very own Harvey Nic’s opens as the flagship store within the £500 million Cabot Circus And staff at the upmarket, designer department store are busy “making sure everything is perfect”, as these pictures giving Bristol Evening Post readers a sneak preview inside the building attest.
Sue Stone, general manager of the store, said: “We are so busy putting everything out and making sure everything is perfect for the opening, but for me the real work starts when we welcome those first customers through the door. That is the part I’m most looking forward to.
“Harvey Nichols is about luxury for all, whether you’re buying a Soap & Glory ‘Clean of England’ shower gel at £5 or a £3,000 Zagliani bag.”
As you step into the store, you immediately notice the areas are defined by different materials, with lacquered fuchsia panels on one wall and gold panelling on another.
Renowned French interior designer Christian Biecher says this use of contrasting materials and textures was inspired by the city’s famous and diverse music scene.
On the grand floor, the perfumes and accessories are dazzling. Stationed in front of the entrance is a Tokyo Lash Bar, where customers can get beauty treatments, including Shu Uemura eyelashes, which are popular with celebrities like Madonna and Dita Von Teese.
As you travel up the escalator to the first floor you can trace the bold black chrome lattice metal screen, which is a feature that runs throughout the store.
This floor houses the women’s wear. The designer garments from names never before seen in Bristol, such as Stella McCartney and Balenciaga sit neatly on their black and chrome racks waiting to be unwrapped. A pair of Stella McCartney jeans can be snapped up for £210, while a black short-sleeved top with gold detail by Dolce & Gabbana is priced at £95. Shoppers can pick up an evening dress by Vera Wang for £330.
There is also a personal shopping suite on this floor, offering customers appointments with personal stylists.
On the second floor is men’s wear, as well as the Harvey Nichols’ signature top-floor restaurant and bar, food market and well-stocked wine shop.
The restaurant and bar, where shoppers can enjoy a glass of champagne from £9.50, have a separate entrance on Penn Street, allowing them to open independent of the main store.
Stationed near the restaurant on the second floor is the Harvey Nichols Foodmarket, specialising in its own-label collection of products with a large selection of food and drink from around the world. One of the cheapest products the Bristol Evening Post could find in the store was its own-label English Tea at £3.25 for a 125g box. One of the most expensive was a Balenciaga catwalk dress at almost £2,000.
The 35,000sq ft Harvey Nichols anchors the Quakers’ Friar part of Cabot Circus, which, like its flagship store, opens for the first time to Bristol shoppers tomorrow.
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Video-Inside-Harvey....html
*
Erm, I think you'll find that 12 inches is a foot.
Frank, Bristol
commented on 23-Sep-2008 19:00
*
Oh no, there it is. It wasn't there before. Something strange is afoot...
Barnaby Farquhar, Clifton
commented on 23-Sep-2008 16:34
*
Space Monster, my previous comment appears to have been removed, even though it wasn't offensive in any way.
I just said that we can dispense with the need for a carnation. If Raymond doesn't mind, who am i to argue?
Barnaby Farquhar, Clifton
commented on 23-Sep-2008 16:34
*
Excellent. You won't need to wear the carnation, nor will we need to meet under a clock!
I shall look forward to making your acquaintance young man (?)
Barnaby Farquhar, Clifton
commented on 23-Sep-2008 16:29
*
Thanks Barnaby, but I think you should know that I have 12 tentacles and a large compound eye where my mouth should be.
Space Monster, Bristol
commented on 23-Sep-2008 16:22
*
Typical Bristolians. Bring a bit of class to the city and they all start moaning. Are you all so scared of change? Are you the same people that bemoaned the state of 'ugly, 70s Broadmead'?
G Cateswell, Bristol
commented on 23-Sep-2008 16:21
*
Well Space Monster, it looks as though it'll just be the 2 of us!
Fancy a spot of bubbly in Raymond Blanc's?
Barnaby Farquhar, Clifton
commented on 23-Sep-2008 16:15
*
Poor people, they're like sooo boring. No Steve, £9.50 is not a lot of money for Bolly and Mike, can you get jeans for less than £210 ?? Ok, so your parents lived into their nineties washing their hair with soap. But did they look fabulous ? Steve, keep shopping at Primarks and look dowdy and drab if you like, but I know where I'll be going.
Space Monster, Bristol
commented on 23-Sep-2008 16:13
*
It's very refreshing to see that so many people will be boycotting Cabot Circus.
I won't need to be driven to London to pick up my knick knacks now, i can swan into an empty Harvey Nicks.
It appears that the only people complaining about this is the people that can't afford the most expensive items. Not everyone is the same and there will be a lot of business done here.
I can't wait.
Barnaby Farquhar, Clifton
commented on 23-Sep-2008 16:13
*
what a waste of money. more like Debenhams or BHS except more expensive and no doubt the quality although looking good is on par with Primark. I won't be able to afford to shop there anad won't be going to the Circus as it is under cover and I hate shopping in over priced Malls
mr, bristol
commented on 23-Sep-2008 15:52
*
oh well looks like i will have to win the lottery to shop there 9, 50 for a glass of champers i can have a night out for that in the local
steve, bristol
commented on 23-Sep-2008 15:34
*
Quote ... "A pair of Stella McCartney jeans can be snapped up for £210" ....
Oh yes, I can picture the huge rush for these jeans right now ;-)
Quote ... Harvey Nichols is about luxury for all, whether you’re buying a Soap & Glory ‘Clean of England’ shower gel at £5".
When I were a lad, we used to go to the corner shop, propped up by old rotten timbers, and buy a bar of SOAP. That did for everything, washing hair included. My parents both lived well into their nineties, and dad had a full head of hair still, so SOAP is still the thing to buy. (if you can still get it) :-)
Mike B, Bristol
commented on 23-Sep-2008 10:02
*
Well that was a nice little video. Made my breakfast-time delighful. It looks just like the inside of any other major store. At least the video gave me my "shopping FIX", so I don't need to travel all that way to Bristol now. Actually reflecting on that video, I am surprised they allowed it in there, as to me it was a DIS-Advert (if there is such a thing) and made the place look awful, specially that lovely scenic view to a wall from the Restaurant area. YUK.
Tansy Pops, Cardiff
commented on 23-Sep-2008 09:50
*
Opening just in time for the recession, i look forward to spending an hour or two window shopping.
David O, Bristol
commented on 23-Sep-2008 09:40