You'll probably never actually see your solicitor so I wouldn't be too worried about getting a local one unless they are some local foibles to be aware of. Important to get someone not shit though, makes the whole process much less stressful.
Can’t really help I’m afraid. Last time I had need of such services was 7+ years ago and I can’t remember having strong feelings either way enough to recommend or what ever the opposite of recommend is :-)
Can any of the Bristol folk @AlexD @Matisse @lemonade recommend a surveyor/solicitor please?