I have been in St Werburghs for less than an hour, but a couple of people have already mentioned a name to me - Sonni's. The small convenience store on Mina Road is busy, with conversations flowing between staff and customers.
Aman Kaur works at Sonni's when she is not at university or busy with her other job. The business has been in her family for 30 years, with her parents and uncle taking over the shop five or six years ago. These days, Sonni's is particularly known for its pakoras and samosas.
The 20-year-old said everyone knows everyone in St Werburghs. "We get regular customers all the time," she said. "It is a real community here.
Read more: Bristol Airport passengers turn South Bristol streets into "giant unregulated car park"
"There is always something going on at the park or the community centre which brings the community together.
"The customers make it easy for us and we try and go out of our way to help them. We try and do our bit for the area."
Giving an example, Ms Kaur said that, during the pandemic, they delivered groceries to those who needed them and also regularly prepare for the food homeless, including at Christmas and on New Year's Day. But Ms Kaur is not the only person I meet at Sonni's, also being introduced to Angela Trevyllian, who has lived in St Werburghs for 20 years.
The 63-year-old said that, in her opinion, St Werburghs is becoming a split area, with the old and new residents. "This area has changed over the years," said Ms Trevyllian. "Years ago, nobody wanted to live here. You would pay £17,000 for a house 20 years ago.
"People can't afford the Clifton prices so they move here, which means the people born and bred here can't afford to buy houses here. For a two-bedroom house which has had no work done, you are now paying £350,000.
"I think that is wrong as it is forcing people out of the area. Several young people I know have had to move elsewhere - there are two in my road that had to move out because they kept putting the rent up in price.
"The rents in this area are astronomical because of how close it is to town. It has become a desirable place to live.
"I am quite worried as it is not changing for the better anymore."
Tucked away between allotments, the M32, St Pauls and Montpelier, this small neighbourhood in north-east central Bristol has grown in popularity in recent years and - like other nearby areas such as Easton - is experiencing gentrification. With street art and small independent businesses abundant in the area, the neighbourhood is also known for its farm - St Werburghs City Farm - and the Mound, among others.
Ms Trevyllian - who grew up in the area as her parents used to run the Duke of York pub - described the neighbourhood as very pleasant and said that it is better than most places in Bristol, having a diverse community.
"If you go along this road [Mina Road], you can find anything you need - you don't need to go outside the area," she continued. "During covid, we could not have done without Sonni's.
"They are friendly [in Sonni's] and they know you. They are part of the community and, if there is something they can do for you, they will.
"I do most of my shopping along this road, I prefer that to going to the supermarket as it is more pleasant and I don't feel it works out more expensive.
"If you do not want to cook, you have such a diversity of food places here. You can eat food from anywhere in the world."
Shad Kadir is a restaurant owner on Mina Road. He runs Napolita Cafe, which started as a takeaway back in 2009 and now operates as a restaurant and coffee shop, employing 25 people. Mr Kadir - who also lives in the area - said that it is amazing to run a business in St Werburghs, adding that local residents really support them and they have customers who have been going to the restaurant for years.
The chef said: "It is an amazing area, it is a great village in a city. Everyone knows each other and it is very creative and outgoing.
"We never have any problems and everyone is really welcoming and supportive, they value having an independent business. They have so many options, but they choose to come here.
"I can not imagine us being anywhere else. When I chose to open here, I did so because of the simplicity of the people. Your education or where you come from does not matter here and that is the most beautiful thing."
Georgie is one of the newer residents of St Werburghs, living in a house share along Mina Road. The 33-year-old said she used to live in the neighbourhood years ago and then came back seven months ago.
"It is very nice, it has a good mixture of people and lots of greenery - which is the most appealing thing to me," she said. "You have Mina Park Road, the farm, the Mound and the allotments. I love the Napolita Cafe and Sonni's - which is a general store that also sells wraps.
"St Werburghs has got lots and it is a pretty good spot to get to most places. It has been gentrified, but it still has a mix of people.
"Everyone around here is friendly and I know a few of our neighbours."
Alison Hall, on the other hand, has lived in St Werburghs for 25 years. The long-term resident said the area is friendly and neighbourly, adding she thinks it has got better over the years. There are more restaurants in the area now, she continued, and also better shops. Ms Hall said she also loves Mina Park and St Werburghs City Farm.
"It is a very good area for families, but it has got more expensive now," she added. "I could probably not afford a house here now.
"For a small neighbourhood, there is lots of things going on and St Werburghs is near enough to walk into town. It is convenient how close it is to the city centre."
Ms Hall said she would probably not move elsewhere in Bristol, but would consider moving to the countryside. In terms of downsides to the area, the resident said Mina Road can be a bit of a rat run at rush hour - which has previously been raised as a concern - and that parking can be difficult.
