I used to live at the top of the steps. Christmas Steps trade bellied out when "The Mall" at Cribbs Causeway opened in 1998 and John Lewis moved away, pulling the smartest money way from town. Before that many people from Redland/Clifton/Cotham walked down the steps to get to the shopping centre. There was rarely a vacant shop unit!

There is certainly a sense amongst the majority of those who trade here that the council has not done enough to preserve and promote this unique part of the city. my aunt peg owned the antigue shop at the top os chritmas steps my dad used to take me there to visit and i ws allowed behind the counter i loved it ,what special memoreys,aboy 1973 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 Heat a pan to medium heat and add in the pigs in blankets and onions (no need to add oil as the fat from the pigs in blankets will grease the pan – if at any point you don’t have enough oil to get everything moving add a little more)

Our favourite festive crisps

Today, however, there remains just one pub - The Three Sugar Loaves - at the base of the steps, with not a single brothel in sight. 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 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 waste We asked our readers where their favourite place is to get a 'Christmas chip' in Northern Ireland - and it's safe to say it will be easy for you to find one nearby!

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’. Not so long ago, the street was full of quirky antique shops and book shops, which attracted tourists and browsing shoppers from all around.You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by skipping the pigs in blankets. How to make festive chips We all love flavoured chips right?! Theyr’e amongst the most popular recipes I have here on the blog. I think they work so well as they’re a simple, slightly different side dish which are sooo good! Then add the sprouts and stir to coat in the flavour (you might need to add a touch more oil at this point if the pan is too dry to fry the sprouts) 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.