Bristol, UK

EXPAT TALES You don’t need to choose London for a new life in Britain, says Richard Mojel.

What do you do there?

I run a management consultancy. Back in Wellington I worked with Maven International and really liked their way of doing things. So after starting a dialogue with the NZ team at the beginning of this year, with the support of a great local crew I’m setting up Maven UK. I like to think of it as my bit for reverse colonisation.

What do you like or dislike about life in Bristol?

Bristol is an easy-going place to live with nice folks and a fascinating history, from battles for the throne of England 800 years ago, through the times of piracy and smuggling (Blackbeard was born here), an uneasy and not-so-distant association with slavery, the World War II blitz, the birthplace of the Concorde, and, of course, the home of Wallace and Gromit. And it has to be said, the climate is better than Wellington, but the coffee isn’t! The reality is we moved over here because we could (dual citizenship) and it was time for a change. We didn’t throw a dart to choose Bristol but the decision-making process wasn’t significantly more robust than that, other than thinking it wouldn’t be London. (We visit regularly and love it; just didn’t want to live there.)

How does the cost of living compare to New Zealand?

In reality I think it’s much of a muchness. When back in New Zealand earlier this year I noticed things have got a lot dearer since we left five years ago, especially groceries and eating out. A pint of beer here works out at around NZ$6 so not a lot different. And while on the same theme, the range of wine is enormous and a perfectly acceptable quaffer can be had for around NZ$10 equivalent. An odd comparison, but power tools seem a bit more expensive over here, as does fuel and energy.

What do you do on weekends?

Generally it’s not a lot different to what we did back in the antipodes; the usual mix of looking after the home, relaxing with friends, etc. Not surprisingly we travel about the country a bit. London is a bit more than 90 minutes away by train and there are many interesting places to visit within a drive of only a few hours. Bristol’s airport connects to numerous European locations, many with flight times of well under two hours. You can finish work around 5pm and be sitting in a Parisienne cafe not much after 9pm with most of the time in between spent in airports. Travel can be very good value – return flights to places like Krakow in Poland and Toulouse in the south of France for around £50.

What do you think of the food?

I’m still coming to terms with the expression ‘‘British Cuisine’’. I do like a nice steak and ale pie, though. There are many pleasant cafes and bistros plus fine dining, if that’s your thing. The range of ethnic foods is extensive and given I’d happily live permanently on an Indian diet, I’m spoilt for choice. Bristol has a large Jamaican community and I intend to experience more of their mouthwatering food.

What’s the best way to get around?

We live in what was once a village in its own right but which has been