Wandering down the busy stretch of Regent Street, perusing independent shops, sipping a luxurious coffee, dodging tourists and locals alike you spot a doorway, set back from the road in a little alcove. No matter how many times you’ve walked down this street, unless you’re looking for it,you could walk past this door without noticing. As the door closes behind you,you’re enveloped in a calm quiet – the corridor leads you upstairs, though you may as well be entering another world. Every time I enter The Practice Rooms in Clifton Village (up to 5 days a week for the last 5 years!) this is my experience. The peace and tranquility sweep over you as soon as you step through the door.
Clifton Village is a bustling village – technically a suburb of Bristol, but with its own little vibe. It is home to some of Bristol’s most iconic locations, the Suspension Bridge, Observatory and Bristol Zoo. It’s leafy and green and full of beautiful Georgian properties. Not to mention the excellent eateries and boutique shopping! And all of this only minutes from Bristol city centre. It is a prime location for a therapy centre, attracting locals and tourists, students and professionals. However, the beauty of it is that no matter how busy the world is outside the door, inside it is an oasis.
The building itself is quirky and old, with twisting staircases, sloping floors and wonky ceilings. The rooms are spacious and beautifully furnished, feeling a lot like coming home to your living room. The rooms at the front of the building all have a stunning view, looking directly down the famous Royal York Crescent towards Ashton Court Estate on the other side of the gorge. It’s a perfect spot to watch the sun set, or better yet the Balloon Fiesta in the summer. The rooms at the back of the building are blissfully quiet and private, soaking up the morning sun.
My favourite room in the whole building though has to be the therapist’s kitchen. Located on the second floor, looking out over Regent Street it is a wonderful bright room with that glorious view. Sitting at the table, either working for The Practice Rooms, or sipping a tea between clients,I can watch the world go by, the busyness of street, the crazy Bristol weather come and go, all whilst in our little safe haven which is The Practice Rooms.
When I first started at The Practice Rooms, as a trainee hypnotherapist back at the start of January 2015, Clifton Village was Bristol’s only centre. A few months later I started as Practice Manager, at which point our Westbury on Trym centre opened. Now, 5 years later we have 6 centres in Bristol. However, Clifton Village has stayed the busiest centre. And I truly believe it is its cosy homeliness that keeps people coming back!
I feel I am in a unique position, having seen and used the centre from 3 different perspectives. Firstly, as a client, coming to see a variety of therapists myself, from acupuncture to herbal medicine, I’m like a kid in a candy shop! There are so many therapists across a wide range of disciplines to chose from. As a client the space feels relaxing and healing.You can leave your worries at the door and focus on you. As a therapist it is the same! I know I can show up and simply do my job, helping my clients.Everything I could need as a therapist is there. It is a secure, quiet,professional space. And as a practice manager I see all the inner workings. I get to intimately know the building and all its quirks and interact with the wonderful community of practitioners.
I feel blessed to be a part of the Clifton Village world, to be able to experience the oasis every time I go in. If you’d like to experience it yourself, then do get in touch! If you’re a therapist looking for a space click here, or a client looking for a therapist click here.
