The Christmas Chips

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A large office building now obscures much of the view of the steps from the bottom, which perhaps partly explains the decline in tourists to the area in recent years. I lived in Bristol in the late 60's/early 70's and often used Christmas Steps from the University down to the Centre. Sad to hear it has been masked by office buildings. Am using the history aspect as part of a Quiz!

After taking over the restaurant in 1964, the couple remained there for the next 28 years. Grace has entertaining stories to tell about American tourists determined to lay their hands on some genuine ‘goddamn fish and chips’. She recalls embellishing the truth on some occasions, leading Americans to believe she had a bed upstairs upon which Queen Anne herself had slept (which is not completely accurate!). The Steps to Recruitment ladies are planning a fun-filled street party for the start of October, with music and stalls, and hopefully with the involvement of all the other traders from Christmas Steps.Perhaps the party will go some way to breathing fresh life into this very special, irreplaceable little corner of Bristol. Today, however, there remains just one pub - The Three Sugar Loaves - at the base of the steps, with not a single brothel in sight. Cook – stirring often – until everything begins to brown. Don’t worry that the bacon and sausage separate – this will happen in most cases However, the more traders I spoke to, the more apparent it became that Christmas Steps has been gradually losing the charm and atmosphere that it once enjoyed. This time last year, while nearly every takeaway in the country were churning out Christmas chips, I happened to stumble upon a social media post from Moody's Plaice, a small Ulster Scots chippy in Bangor, Co Down who had taken inspiration from the stereotypical Scottish cuisine of deep frying everything by launching a deep fried Christmas Chip Wrap.

i am currently invovled in the refurbishment of st barts court at the bottom of christmas steps and think it is sad to see such a bristolian landmark going to wasteIf you’re not traditionally a fan of sprouts – try adding a few less into the recipe – but still, try them! They taste completely different fried with bacon and seasonings. These festive chips contain lots of the traditional trimmings of a Christmas dinner, fried with festive seasoning and a portion of chips! They’re so delicious it was hard for me and my husband not to eat them all before I got a decent photo. The tourists’ fascination with antiques and memorabilia would often prompt them to make Grace an offer on anything which could be removed from the premises. The buildings themselves are all listed properties, and yet the council is reluctant to put any money into the maintenance of the street, or to ensure that traders which will attract the tourists are actively encouraged. Charity fun These festive chips are chips tossed in a mixture of cooked pigs in blankets, sprouts, carrots and caramelised onions. Seasoned with festive seasoning for a very addictive side dish!

She also has fond memories of the street parties that have been held on Christmas Steps, including ‘4th of July’ parties and even a Christmas party in the middle of summer for underprivileged children (during which, I am told, Father Christmas abseiled down the side of the building). Decline in tourism

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this is a sweet little part of bristol with a lott of history. me & my partner will be joining the traders of the christmas steps very soon. no'19 a nice spot next to the chippy. keep your eyes peeled. Arlene and Susan, who own Steps to Recruitment at number 17, suspect that the houses on the south side of the street may have been built on top of an old cemetery.