We caught up with the general manager of Bristol’s iconic Watershed, which will be hosting an exciting event with philosopher and writer Julian Baggini during Food Connections. Find out more about the event here.

Please introduce yourself
James Taljaard, General Manager - Watershed Trading

What’s the story behind Watershed?
Watershed is a cross-artform venue and producer, sharing, developing and showcasing exemplary cultural ideas and talent. We are based in Bristol, but place no boundaries on our desire to connect with artists and audiences in the wider world.

How is Watershed getting involved with Bristol Food Connections?
Watershed is hosting ‘A Feast of Film and Philosophy’ In this tasty illustrated talk, writer and philosopher Julian Baggini will discuss the relationship between food and philosophy, and how film can provide a philosophical insight into the meaning of food in our lives. Food and eating permeates our way of thought and living, and while traditionally philosophers haven’t paid much attention to what’s on our plates, Julian will show that eating, thinking and film are subjects worthy of serious reflection. But not too serious: he argues we need to embrace the absurdity and comedy of human life which cinema so often captures well. We are also a Partner of Bristol Food Connections.

What do you think makes Bristol’s food community special?
The Amazing Variety on offer in the city.

Where do you like to eat out in Bristol?
Depends on the mood I’m in and what time of day it is. But on the list would be Harts Bakery for a Saturday morning breakfast and The Mayflower for a late night feast.

If you could change one thing about the way we think about and eat food, what would it be?
To understand that we should really only eat when we are hungry.