Lloyds Head Office in Bristol has a massive outdoor bit behind them, that has been quite the cult…read morephenomenon for skaters. On any clear, warmish day, there will be a hoard of them out here skating their hearts away. It's on most skater's top skate spot lists in Bristol, and also is well known over the globe. The fact that Lloyds seem to somewhat recognise this, by not putting metal grooves in the steps around that would ruin it as a skate spot, is pretty cool of them. It is right on the water's edge, where you get a great view of the river and the boats that pass through it all day. In the summer, music festivals are held here back to back, and this area generally is just an amazing spot for these big outdoor events. The rest of the time, it is a perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy a take-away lunch, watching the skaters do their tricks. Quite perfect.

There are only 2 branches of Royal Bank of Scotland in Bristol and this one is easiest to get to if…read moreyou are in the centre. Located on busy Baldwin Street, it has a cash point outdoors and 4 teller windows inside. It's a full-service bank: there are staff to help you with setting up accounts, queries and other banking issues. Very helpful and friendly staff.

Gasp! 5 Stars for a bank?! Nope I shouldn't be locked up as some of you may be inclined to suggest,…read morethis Barclays has charm in spades. I've rarely had to wait very long (extremely rare for a Barclays), the interior is pleasant, there is a free filtered water dispenser and the staff are extremely polite and friendly. In fact, after my 21st birthday I was looking to put some savings away and whilst I don't want to get their staff into trouble, the advisor who served me suggested that the money could perform better elsewhere! Astonishing honesty, that really took me by surprise at a time of recession when everyone wants to blame 'the evil money grabbing bankers' for the worldwide financial crisis!

I was super impressed by this branch of Barclays. I needed to see a personal adviser as my scrawly…read moresignature didn't match the neat tidy signature I had when I first moved to the UK 9 years ago. I didn't have long to wait, the adviser was really helpful. She helpfully made the changes I needed, advised me to get rid of the Additions account somebody had nudged me into in a weak moment a few years ago, so I wasn't paying an unnecessary amount to Barclays for no reason each month. I know!! BANKERS ETHICS SHOCKER!! I hope the poor girl isn't tracked down and sacrificed to the gods of greed. I was in and out of there in no time and left with a smile of my face, a rarity in encounters with bankers!

I'm not well up on the ethics of the big banks but in terms of straightforward fees etc and…read morecustomer service, I've always found Barclays to be head and shoulders above the rest. This branch is a good example of a decent Barclays branch. There is usually a nice girl who at the customer service counter who greets you and tries to solve your problems. Sometimes this is merely pointing you in the direction of counter services up the stairs, to the nearby cash point or deposit drop or to the newly added and amazingly helpful self service station where you can print out your statements, amend or cancel standing orders and transfer money. There's also one of those phone points where you can call up customers services for your Barclaycard or get an insurance quote from Barclays. And of course there are half a dozen personal banker desks to help you with more complex queries. Judging by the signs outside at the moment though, they are soon to move to a new 'flagship' store elsewhere in Broadmead.

This company has since been taken over by Britannaia, however they were a great branch, with…read morefriendly staff, who take the time to personally connect with their customers, even offering a drink if your particularly worn down. They are very knowledgable about interest rates, and are also very quick to answer any questions you might have in regards to opening an account with them.

If you have a paycheque and cannot wait for the 4/5 business days clearence in your bank then you…read morecan get them cashed in here at 2.9% which is pretty good. But the way I see it is your money is your money and you shouldn't be charged that much just to have immediate access. You can also bring any unwanted gold items/jewlery here to get cashed, again don't expect an amazing offer for what you bring, you could probabley get double what they give you buy selling online or visiting an more independant pawnbroker. But for an immediate cash service it's pretty good.

Thankfully, as of yet I have not found myself in such desperate need for cash that I have needed to…read moreuse the services of Cheque & Change, but I have known a few people who have. I was once told a story about a guy who use to always bring his wage cheque here every friday, get the money and then proceed to spend the whol weekend in the pub before returning to work and repeating the cycle again the following friday!!!If you are in need of some instant cash and have a cheque then get yourself down here and your money can be yours at a charge of only 2.9%!!!These guys also pay money for Jewellry, Gold, etc. What most confuses me is that the majority of wage packets are paid these days via BACS - so I have no idea how these guys stay in business, but fair play to them.