Bars

Bristol

ALL BAR ONE
47 Corn St, BS1 1HT
Tel: 0117 930 4762, www.allbarone.co.uk
● British beef and New Zealand lamb arrive daily for the burgers. Menu, promising a mix of mains and tapas, to be launched after we go to press. All-encompassing drink choices include a dozen continental beers, 40 wines (£7.95-£40 per btl, all available by the glass) and regular wine-tasting evenings. Part of a chain, but without the feel: roomy and uncluttered with wooden flooring, long utilitarian tables and comfier chairs. Equally good for daytime chats as for buzzing Saturday nights. Excellent veggie options. Over-21s only. Open Mon-Thur 11.30am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11.30am-12midnight, Sun 11.30am-6pm Food Mon-Sat 12noon-10pm, Sun 12noon-5pm

ANTIX
44 Park St, BS1 5JG
Tel: 0117 925 1139/07973 304227, web: www.barantix.com, www.attixloungebar.com
● Owner Laz Lazarides takes great care in everything done at this eating, drinking and dancing venue – Venue’s reviewer still raves about those white chocolate profiteroles. English/Italian dishes include steak, cod & chips, lamb shank, gammon, chilli prawn linguini, risotto, stuffed peppers, pasta, sharing combos and tapas platters. Strong cocktail selection, wide draught lager range (Hoegaarden, Leffe), bottles and fine wines, and ATTIX champagne bar upstairs. Open Sun-Thur 11am-4am, Fri-Sat 11am-6am Food Sun-Thur 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

ARNOLFINI CAFE-BAR
16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA
Tel: 0117 917 2305, web: www.arnolfini.org.uk
● Chilling with friends over a glass on the waterside cobbles here remains a Bristol must-do. Italian-inspired menus change seasonally and with local availability at the cafe-bar in this contemporary gallery/cinema/performance venue. Light bites include polenta chips and anchovy toast. Pastas, risottos and bruschetta, too, and kids get their own dishes. All-Italian wine list, local beers and ciders, and a short but entertaining cocktail menu. Join the emailing list for news and special offers. Open Daily from 10am, check website for closing times

BANCO LOUNGE
107 Wells Rd, Knowle, BS4 2BS
Tel: 0117 908 6010, web: www.thelounges.co.uk
● The youngest Bristol Lounge had a spruce-up recently, with terracotta tones bringing a cosier feel. Formerly a bank - the original vault and safe door remain. Meat, fish and veggie options alongside brekkies, burgers, panini and weekly changing specials. Menu changes seasonally but retains a distinct style: stewed squid, or lamb kofta wrap with mint & yogurt dressing. Sunday roasts served 12noon-4pm, quiz in the evening. Yummy Monday and Tapas Tuesday start the week in a wallet-friendly manner. Open Daily 9am-11pm Food Daily 9am-10pm

BAR CELONA
Regent St, Kingswood, BS15 8LJ
Tel: 0117 961 9311, web: www.bar-celona-bristol.co.uk
● A slice of Spain in east Bristol taking its continental credentials very seriously. Sangria at this stylish bar is considered better than the local version by some returning holidaymakers. Great atmosphere, seriously warm service and a staggering array of dishes from Italy, Spain, Greece and the Med - eat in the roof garden when it’s sunny. Comedy alternate Weds, karaoke Thurs, Sunday alternates between local musician jam sessions and Small Paul’s DJ request night. Pool table, too. Open Mon-Wed 12noon-12midnight, Thur 12noon-1am, Fri-Sat 12noon-2am Food Mon-Sat 12noon-6pm

BAR HUMBUG
89 Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2NT
Tel: 0117 904 0061, web: www.barhumbug.co.uk
● Fifteen years and counting at this strip stalwart with its purple, cream, gold and brown colour-scheme combining with a cool vibe to attract a stylish crowd. Moroccan chef conjures up tagines, chargrilled chicken skewers, homemade burgers, platters, curries, panini and salads to eat indoors or on the 20-covers front terrace. Plasma screens show sports, live music Thur, and DJs upping the party vibe. Open Daily 12noon-11.30pm Food Daily 12noon-9pm

NEW
THE BAY
4-6 North St, Bedminster, BS3 1HT
Tel: 0117 953 1446, email: thebay_inn@msn.com
● Not so much the paint’s still wet, more they haven’t put the lids back on the pots yet. Bar Salt became The Bay in the days before we went to press, with an upping of the food ante in a gastrobar direction. A seven-week closure saw some smartening up, with the blue colours retained and comfier furniture installed. Ultimate Sky means different sport action shown on different screens, with pool tables bringing hustling opportunities in situ. Expect dishes like filled breads, pastas and salads, grills, burgers (including the ultimate triple burger) and curries. Favourites range takes in Timothy Taylor steak pie, fish & chips, chilli, gammon & egg, Cumberland sausage, braised shank of lamb. Mon quiz, Tue/Wed acoustic live music, Fri DJs, barbecues in summer out back. Open Sun-Thur 12noon-12midnight, Fri-Sat 12noon-1.30am Food Mon-Fri 12noon-2pm & 5-8.30pm, Sat-Sun 12noon-8pm

BEESES BAR & TEA GARDENS
Wyndham Crescent, BS4 4SX
Tel: 0117 977 7412, web: www.beeses.co.uk, www.myspace.com/beeses
● Impossibly beautiful spot with gorgeous alfresco dining. Exemplary menu using locally sourced produce includes the return of the fabulous fish suppers alongside a full events programme at this riverside venue. Website lists full details - highlights include Butcombe day, monthly open mics, and live music every other Fri and some Sun afternoons. Professor Beese struts his stuff at twice-monthly quizzes. Fifth annual beer and cider festival will see Bristol Ferry Boat Co running trips to and from, and some great live music. Open Till 26 Sept (inc bank hol Mons): Thur 4-11pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-11pm, Sun 10am-7pm. Available for private booking at other times Food Thur 4-9pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-9pm, Sun 10am-6pm (breakfast 10–11.30am)

NEW
BIG CHILL
15 Small St, BS1 1DE
Tel: 0117 930 4217, web: www.bigchill.net/bristol
● Venue’s reviewer was seriously impressed with the meal he had here. Emphasis on small dishes and platters: Scottish salmon skewers marinated in chermoula, crispy fried baby calamari with lemon & garlic mayonnaise, grilled merguez sausage rubbed with harissa, and veggie options too. Fiver gets you a lunch platter. Cocktails a speciality, live music on Wed, Globalista on Thur, DJs on Fri and Sat. Food Daily 12noon-9pm

BISTRO LA BARRIQUE
225 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8NR
Tel: 0117 944 5500, web: www.bistrolabarrique.co.uk
● Charming neighbourhood French restaurant and wine bar. Most wines come from small, independent producers, courtesy of Bath’s Great Western Wine. Verre-a-vin machine vacuum-seals opened bottles to prevent oxidation, so you can properly enjoy wine by the glass. Wide range of French-style tapas (petits plats): roast chicken with lemon, garlic, parsley and sauteed spinach, navarin of lamb with Mediterranean vegetables, sea bass with creamed polenta and parmesan cheese, plus large, hearty ALC plates and daily chalkboard specials. See also Restaurants: French Open Mon-Sat 6-10pm (possible daytime opening in summer)

BOCABAR
Paintworks, Bath Rd, BS4 4EH
Tel: 0117 972 8838, web: www.paintworksbristol.co.uk
● Cafe/bar/music venue with a New York loft look and genuine multigenerational appeal, from yummy mummies doing morning coffee to summer evening chilling on the extensive decking. It raises the bar for cocktails, it’ll be the place to watch Brazil in the World Cup, and its pizzas are among Bristol’s best. Enjoy panini, sandwiches, salads, tapas and weekend breakfasts. Open/Food Sun-Thur 10am-12midnight, Fri-Sat 10-2am. Pizzas: Sun-Thur 5-10.30pm, Fri-Sat 1-11pm. Specials: Mon-Sat 12noon-3pm

BORDEAUX QUAY BAR
V-Shed, Canons Way, BS1 5UH
Tel: 0117 943 1200, web: www.bordeaux-quay.co.uk
● Modern, airy bar serving extensive and impressive beer and wine range (quality local ales, cider, speciality beers, lagers, classic cocktails) plus nibbles within the environmentally responsible and multi-faceted Bordeaux Quay operation. See also Cafes, and Restaurants: European & Mediterranean. Open Bar: Mon-Fri 8am-11pm, Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 9am-4pm

BROWNS
38 Queens Rd, Clifton, BS8 1RE
Tel: 0117 930 4777, web: www.browns-restaurants.com
● Enduring city favourite where surroundings ooze style – drop in when the ivories are getting tinkled for maximum wow-factor. Extensive drinks selection, from wine and chilled continental beers to snazzy cocktails. Classic food with contemporary touches, served all day: steak, mushroom & Guinness pie, slow-cooked shoulder of lamb. See also Restaurants, English. Open Mon-Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 11am-10pm. Bar open till 12midnight Thur-Sat

BSB
41 Corn St, BS1 1HT
U-Shed, Canons Rd, BS1 5UH
93-95 Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2NT
Tel: 0117 911 4950, web: www.bsbbars.co.uk
● Locally sourced food and pub classics (from nachos and fishcakes to homemade burgers and beer-battered cod), Sunday lunches, fresh Illy coffee and extensive cocktail and beer selection. DJs, live entertainment and VIP areas for hire. Corn St branch (with live sports) sees a business crowd by day and a dressed-up crowd by night. Late-night parties go large at Waterside branch (Canons Rd, open till 3am Thur-Sat).

BYZANTIUM
2 Portwall Lane, BS1 6NB
Tel: 922 1883, www.byzantium.co.uk
● Super-stylish restaurant with bar and lounge area, making for a unique drinking/dining experience. Spacious room features elegant pillars and luxurious couches with an opulent Middle Eastern feel. Weekend entertainment includes belly dancers, magicians and flamenco guitarists. Modern European, seasonal fare, with a full ALC, mezze dishes daily (12noon till late), and their famous dessert lanterns. See also Restaurants, European & Mediterranean. Open Tue-Sat 12noon-late

CAFE ROUGE
85 Park St, BS1 5PJ
Tel: 0117 929 2571
Cabot Circus, BS1 3BD
Tel: 0117 954 4808
NEW
Unit R4, The Mall, Cribbs Causeway BS10 7TG
Tel: 0117 950 8730, web: www.caferouge.co.uk
● Friendly, authentic French cafe-bar/brasserie/restaurant serving high-quality food in convivial surroundings. See Restaurants, French. Open Mon-Fri 9am-11pm, Sat 9am-10pm, Sun 10am-10.30pm. Cribbs: Mon-Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 10am-10.30pm

NEW
CANTEEN
Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, BS1 3QY
Tel: 0117 923 2017, web: www.coexistuk.org
● Food/drink/art/music/enterprise and innovation venture that opened last year in a former office building in Stokes Croft. Live music most nights, and top-value, locally sourced, seasonal food enjoyed by a diverse crowd. Choose from the likes of lemon sole in smoked salmon & cream sauce or stilton & broccoli tart, both with a mix of rice and couscous salads and rocket with marinated roast onion, at around the £5 mark. Food Mon-Fri 12noon-3pm & 5-10pm, Sat-Sun 12noon-9pm

NEW
THE CELLARS
Rummer Hotel, All Saints Lane, BS1 1JH
Tel: 0117 929 0111
● Opened in March and enhancing the Rummer’s reputation as one of the region’s foremost bars, The Cellars is a late-night cocktail lounge incorporating molecular mixing and caviar and foams to take your drinking experience up a notch or two. Food served evenings in the upstairs Rummer (see Bristol Pubs) can be taken here till 10pm. Open Fri-Sat 8pm-late (Thur & Sun opening possible)

CHANNINGS
20 Pembroke Rd, Clifton, BS8 3BB
Tel: 0117 973 3970
● ‘When the sun shines, the clinking of glasses fills the air as sunglasses are worn atop heads as the smart set mingle,’ wrote our man of this Clifton institution, where the garden is the place to be found come summer. Stylish surroundings indoors make this a winner year-round. New menu was due to arrive as we went to press; current menu features fish & chips, bangers & mash, lime & coriander salmon, vegetable moussaka and spicy beanburger. Comedy on Sun, speed-dating on Thur. Food Mon-Sat 12noon-3pm & 6-9pm, Sun 12noon-6pm

CHIMP HOUSE
232 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8NZ
Tel: 0117 944 3092, web: www.thechimphouse.co.uk
● Regular monthly changing menu uses local suppliers like Joe’s Bakery (a few doors along) and Tovey’s Fishmongers to conjure up everything from barbecues and tapas to Italian favourites. Specialist buffets range from sushi to Mexican. An extraordinarily laidback mood means you can even bring food in from outside if the chef’s taken the evening off. Prices are kept down on classy wines and draughts. Attractive garden out back (open till 10pm, with pavilion seating 20). Open Tue-Thur 6-11pm, Fri-Sat 6-11.30pm Food Tue-Sat 6-9pm

CITY CAFE
City Inn, Temple Way, BS1 6BF
Tel: 0117 910 2700, web: www.citycafe.co.uk
● Smart urban hotel serving Market Menu, ALC, breakfasts, great roasts, etc. Heated alfresco terrace overlooking gardens. See Restaurants, European & Mediterranean.

CLIFTON WINE BAR
4 Richmond Terrace, Clifton, BS8 1AB
Tel: 0117 973 2069
● Young professionals enjoy the lounge/bar atmosphere here, and heaters and shelters in the garden out back prolong the alfresco chilling. New menu being finalised as we went to press – expect good pub grub (Pieminister pies, burgers, homemade chilli, sandwiches, salads). Four plasma screens show Sky Sports. Food Mon-Thur 12noon-3pm & 6-8.30pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-6pm, Sun 12noon-5pm

COSIES
34 Portland Square, BS2 8RG
Tel: 0117 942 4110, web: www.cosies.co.uk
● New boss Jo Drury has brought a few feminine touches via a general smartening-up, enhancing this much-loved bar’s enduring and extensive appeal for a diverse crowd. She promises to make the outside ‘nicer for the summer’, and provide all-day breakfasts from 12noon on Sat. Enjoy regularly changing hot specials (homemade chicken liver pate, prawn, chilli, lime & coriander spaghetti, pan-fried salmon & chicken jalfrezis) and lighter bites (Caribbean bean stew, classic nachos, sandwiches. Food Mon-Fri 12noon-3pm, Mon-Thur 6-9pm, Sat from 12noon

NEW
COWSHED
46 Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2NH
Tel: 0117 973 3550, web: www.thecowshedbristol.com
● Modern British steakhouse that opened in October 2009, with the same menu served in both bar and restaurant. Venue’s reviewer awarded this place nine out of ten stars on a recent visit, enjoying tapas-style starters of crab cakes, breaded goat’s cheese, farmhouse pate and an oyster each, followed by ‘fabulous’ mains, and accompanied by an impressive wine list. Around a tenner for a three-course set lunch (Mon-Sat), or for early-evening steak/burger and chips plus drink (Mon-Thur 6-7pm). See also Restaurants, English. Food Mon-Sat 12noon-10pm (reduced menu Mon-Sat 3-6pm), Sun 12noon-4pm

DECO LOUNGE
50 Cotham Hill, BS6 6JX
Tel: 0117 373 2688, web: www.thelounges.co.uk
● A 1940s feel, with mosaic flooring and terracotta colour scheme, has recently arrived at this Cotham cousin in the Lounge dynasty. Enjoy the group’s trademark easygoing yet stylish grub in easygoing yet stylish surroundings. Five specials change fortnightly – dishes like pea & mint risotto, pan-fried chicken breast, pan-fried pork loin, and classic fish stew, alongside ciabattas, cakes, coffees, etc. Food Daily 9am-10pm

EL PUERTO
57 Prince St, BS1 4QH
Tel: 0117 925 6014, web: www.el-puerto.co.uk
● Around 30 Spanish wines accompany some of the tastiest dining this side of Madrid, with live music Wed, and live music and flamenco dancing on Sun. The real beauty of this place is its ability to do the simple things well. Menu highlights include hearty red wine-soaked chorizo infierno and a generous helping of mussels. Mains include fillet steak, sea bass, skewered chicken, paella. Upstairs room, with views across the river, caters for parties of up to 40. See also Restaurants, Spanish & Portuguese. Open Daily 11am-12midnight Food Mon-Fri 11am-3pm & 5.30-11pm, Sat-Sun 11am-11pm

EL RINCON
298 North St, Southville, BS3 1JU
Tel: 0117 939 3457 web: www.myspace.com/elrinconbristol
● Like being in your mate’s front room. If your mate lived in Madrid. And they could rustle up anything from friendship-affirming tapas to authentic wines, lager and Tizer – yes, Tizer – for the drivers. Friday music nights (featuring some extraordinarily talented musicians), with their word-of-mouth, speakeasy, underground vibe, are things of utter wonder. Shhhh! Don’t tell everyone, they’ll all want to come. See Restaurants, Spanish & Portuguese. Open Wed-Sat 7-10pm, Sun 11am-2pm & 4pm-late (for chocolate and churros)

GOLDBRICK HOUSE
69 Park St, BS1 5PD
Tel: 0117 945 1950, web: www.goldbrickhouse.co.uk
● Much-loved, multi-dimensional venue with two AA rosettes that lets you eat like a king without spending a king’s ransom. Cafe-bar currently serving British tapas: Somerset brie, mini lamb brochettes, honey & mustard pork belly bites – perfect for sharing. More substantial dining includes a glorious breakfast range (potato pancake with scrambled egg and bacon), cut-above sarnies (try the triple-decker classic club), salads, burgers, bangers and mash, fish and chips, pasta, etc. See also Restaurants, European & Mediterranean. Food Mon-Sat 9am-10pm

GRAIN BARGE
Hotwell Rd, Hotwells, BS8 4RU
Tel: 0117 929 9347, web: www.grainbarge.com
● The menu changes all the time at this former winner of Venue’s Best Bristol Bar. Fresh produce and locally sourced/Fairtrade ingredients where possible: fillet steak (cooked differently every day), spiced corn-fed chicken breast with spinach and red pepper, and caramelised cherry tomatoes with goat’s cheese tarte tatin. Tue is tapas evening, Wed is homemade pie & pint night (beer from the Bristol Beer Factory), Thur is £10 steak night, Fri brings live music, Sun brings the roast. Funky happenings include monthly art exhibitions, mural paintings, networking nights, occasional ‘secret party’ happenings, Tonecology nights and film showings. Food Tue-Fri 12noon-3pm, Tue-Wed 6-9pm, Thur-Fri 6-10pm, Sat 12noon-10pm, Sun 12noon-4pm & 6-9pm

NEW
GRAZE BAR & CHOPHOUSE
63 Queen Sq, BS1 4JZ
Tel: 0117 927 6706, web: www.bathales.co.uk
● ‘Here was a rare thing,’ said Venue’s reviewer. ‘A smart and pleasant place to grab a drink, slap in the centre of town.’ The classic British menu at this bar and chophouse, which opened in Nov 2009, is almost the size of the cow standing Damien Hirst-esque above the door - from beans on toast to a 20oz rib-eye, with everything except the seafood sourced within 40 miles. Our reviewer’s beef was deemed ‘possibly the best in Bristol’ and the ‘bone-free and juicily moist pheasant breast was equally pleasing’. A dozen reds, as many whites and Bath Ales brews are among the drinking options. See also Restaurants, English. Food Mon-Thur 11am-10pm, Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 9am-10pm

NEW
H BAR
Colston Hall Foyer, 13 Colston St, BS1 5AR
Tel: 0117 352 1151, web: www.thehbar.co.uk
● The launch of the foyer in which H Bar is housed was Venue’s event of the year, so it’s not surprising the dining and drinking options here are worthy of praise. Breakfast (from toast to the works), lunches (pasta, risotto, bruschetta, burgers, salads, soup and specials), sandwiches, panini and tapas. More formal dining in the ground-floor bistro with beautiful glass walls and garden terrace views. Starters include pan-fried lamb kidneys, and potted shrimps & shallots tarte tatin. Mains have taken in braised lamb shoulder, roast skate wing, and vegetarian dishes like penne rigate. See also Restaurants: European & Mediterranean. Food Bar: Mon-Fri 8.30am-9pm, Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 10am-9pm. Bistro: Mon-Sat 12noon-3pm & 5-11pm, Sun 12noon-3pm & 5-10pm

HA! HA! BAR & GRILL
Berkeley Square, Triangle, BS8 1HP
Tel: 0117 927 7333, web: www.hahaonline.co.uk
● Waterproof sofas to go with the outdoor screen are just one part of massive recent refurb. Grill-related dining: Welsh lamb skewers, steaks, sea bass with slow-roasted courgettes, butternut squash, blue cheese & walnut risotto. Promises to be World Cup central when the planet’s biggest kickabout gets underway. Open Mon-Wed 10am-11pm, Thur-Sat 10am-12midnight, Sun 12noon-10.30pm Food Daily till 10pm (9.30pm Sun)

HALO
141 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8BA
Tel: 0117 944 2504, web: www.halobristol.co.uk
● This Bishopston community fave gets a swish cocktails/bar-like feel once the kitchen’s closed. Diverse food options take in breakfast, tapas, burgers, open sandwiches, wraps and salads. Evening brings starters (stirfried prawns, soup, goat’s cheese souffle), mains (braised lamb shank, honey teriyaki duck breast, courgette & feta cakes) and great desserts. Sunday roasts, and a busy calendar including tango, salsa and acoustic nights. Open Daily 10am-12.30am Food Daily 10am-10pm

HATTERS
97 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8AT
Tel: 0117 330 5740, web: www.hattersbristol.co.uk
● Wilfully eclectic bar/cafe/event space that defies pigeonholing and brings a slice of the Mad Hatter’s tea party to the Gloucester Road. Drinks include Staropramen, Becks Vier and Stowford Press, plus bottles like Moretti, Bath Ales’ Gem and wines from those ace Nicolas people. Dine by day on freshly made crepes, homemade falafels, cheeseyburgers and toasted ciabattas. Cocktail menu inspired by Kinder Surprise. Coffee machine stays on all night. Available for private hire for fully customised parties, from food to theme. Free Wi-Fi. Open/Food Mon-Wed 10am-5.30pm, Thur-Sat 10am-12midnight

JAVA
9 Park St, BS1 5NF
Tel: 0117 930 4561, web: www.javabristol.com
● The large windows at this cafe-bar are perfect for people watching. Enjoy sandwiches, panini, jackets, salads, homemade burgers, soup and delicious pastries. Open Bar: Thur-Fri 5pm-2.30am, Sat 5pm-3.30pm

KINGS ARMS
168 Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, BS8 2XZ
Tel: 0117 973 5922, web: www.kingsarmsbristol.com
● Expansive restaurant/bar/cafe spread over two floors. The look is grand but you’re just as welcome to drop in to play ping pong as you are to dine. Daily changing brunch/lunch menu features ground steak burger, ham, egg and chips, pork belly, daily doorstep sandwich, and butternut squash risotto. Evening brings gurnard, confit duck leg, and 28-day-aged fillet of Nailsea beef. Open Mon 5pm-12.30am, Tue-Sun 11am-12.30am

LAS IGUANAS
Anchor Square, Harbourside, BS1 5UH
Tel: 0117 927 6233
113 Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2PB
Tel: 0117 973 0730, web: www.lasiguanas.co.uk
● Culture mixes with cuisine at these authentic South Great food, superb cocktails, excellent tapas and good fish/vegetarian/salad options. Set lunch and happy hour deals are always good value. See also Restaurants, Mexican & South American. Open Mon-Thur 12noon-11pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-11.30pm (Harbourside till 12midnight), Sun 12noon-10.30pm

LIVING ROOM
Building 11, Canons Way, Harbourside, BS1 5LF
Tel: 0117 925 3993, web: www.thelivingroom.co.uk
● Stylish and comfortable bar, open till 2am at weekends, with a fabulous cocktail list and calendar of local and touring musicians and DJs: live piano and vocals from 8.30pm Thur-Sat, live band Fri, DJ Sat nights. Great selection of light meals and small plates means you can have food in the bar while relaxing on the sofa or at one of the bar tables. See also Restaurants, European & Mediterranean. Food Till 10pm most days, 11pm weekends

LOUNGE
227-231 North St, Bedminster, BS3 6JJ
Tel: 0117 963 7340, web: www.thelounges.co.uk
● Easygoing dining and drinking at this funky spot. Steaks, burgers, panini, ciabattas, veggie dishes and specials like Becks lager-battered cod & chips and belly of pork braised in Stowford Press cider. As with the other Lounges, home to legendary chocolate brownies, often chosen here as prizes by quiz collectives. Outside seating, too. Open Daily 9am-11pm Food Daily 9am-10pm

MR WOLF’S
33 St Stephens St, BS1 1JX
Tel: 0117 927 3221, web: www.myspace.com/mrwolfsbar
● With its effortlessly cool vibe and wilfully eclectic musical/artistic offerings, Mr Wolf’s helps make Bristol such a wonderful place to live. There’s something going on most nights, from live bands, solo artists and open mics to Weapon of Choice live painting, Brown Note Sessions, cult films and DJs. Food is noodles, which come in big flavours and even bigger portions: chicken & broccoli, beef & pepper, pork & pineapple, tofu & spinach. All noodle dishes prepared to order in an open kitchen, to eat in or take away. Open Sun-Tue 6pm-2.30am, Wed-Sat 6pm-4am Food Daily 6pm-late

MUD DOCK
40 The Grove, BS1 4RB
Tel: 0117 934 9734, web: www.mud-dock.com
● Uber-cool combination of bike emporium and chilled cafe-bar gastro hangout, with great watery views from the sundeck. Well-stocked bar. See Restaurants, European & Mediterranean. Open Mon 10am-3pm, Tue-Thur 10am-10pm, Fri 10am-11pm, Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 10am-5pm

NEW
PAPAJI’S HOUSE OF TEAS
109 Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2PB
Tel: 0117 946 6144, web: www.papajis.co.uk
● Opened in September 2009, a lively, modern twist on the traditional English tea room, with over 60 loose leaf teas, extensive drinks menu and food served all day till late, from breakfasts and sandwiches to light dishes (many vegetarian) and hot and cold grazing dishes. Holds popular tastings followed by tea-infused cocktails. Open Tue-Sun 10am-12noon (Mon opening in the pipeline)

PORTO LOUNGE
765 Fishponds Rd, BS16 3BS
Tel: 0117 902 4567, web: www.thelounges.co.uk
● The dinkiest member of the Lounge group serves rump steak, beer-battered fish & chips, sweet potato curry, pasta, burgers, salads and doorstep sarnies, plus a children’s menu. Staff are friendly and the house wine eminently quaffable. Quiz every Sunday. Open Daily 9am-11pm Food Daily 9am-10pm

PROM
26-28 The Promenade, Gloucester Rd, BS7 8AE
Tel: 0117 942 7319, web: www.theprom.co.uk
● Live acts nightly (including an open mic session on Sun) except Tue, when the pop quiz is Bristol’s longest. Diverse menu includes all-day breakfasts, chicken/roast veg enchiladas, burgers, fish & chips, lasagne, steaks, salads and light bites. Lovely pavement seating for watching Gloucester Road’s colourful characters promenading by. Open Mon-Thur 11am-12midnight, Fri-Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-12midnight Food Mon-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm

RACKS BAR & KITCHEN
St Pauls Rd, Clifton, BS8 1LX
Tel: 0117 974 1626, www.racks-bristol.co.uk
● Relaxing, popular place where you can enjoy anything from a pint and steak sandwich with your rugby match to long, late, lazy lunches, alfresco cocktails and excellent food. See Restaurants, World & Pacific Fusion. Open Daily 11am-11pm Food Mon-Sat till 10.30pm, Sun till 10pm

RANCH
59-61 Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2LY
Tel: 0117 973 7727, web: www.ranchbar.com
● Sizable, lively venue with salsa on Mon, student night Wed. Menu was set to change as we went to press - expect baguettes, salads, burgers, fish, vegetarian, chicken, lamb, beef and pasta dishes. Food Daily 12noon-8pm

RIVERSTATION
The Grove, BS1 4RB
Tel: 0117 914 4434, web: www.riverstation.co.uk
● Classic, high-quality wines by the glass, plus wide range of interesting bottled lagers and beers. Bar/kitchen serves well-prepared, simple food late into the evening. Extended dockside terrace for warmer months. See also Restaurants, European & Mediterranean. Open Bar/kitchen: Mon-Wed 9am-11pm, Thur-Sat 9am-12midnight (last food orders 10pm), Sun 10am-5pm (last food orders 4pm)

SASPARILLA
65 Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, BS8 2LY
Tel: 0117 973 0574
● Swanky, stylish venue, with a quieter, laidback upstairs lounge for enjoying the sublime cocktails. Classy cuisine takes in starters and snacks (nachos, quesadillas, wings, skins, duck spring rolls, mozzarella sticks, crab cakes) as well as mains (barbecue ribs, fajitas, wild mushroom enchiladas with voodoo chilli), plus burgers, steak/chicken ciabattas with chunky fries, chicken & bacon salad et al. Happy hours Mon-Thur 4.30-9.30pm, Fri-Sun 3-8pm. DJs Fri-Sun. Open Mon-Thur 4.30pm-12midnight, Fri-Sun 12noon-12midnight

SEVERNSHED
The Grove, BS1 4RB
Tel: 0117 925 1212, web: www.shed-restaurants.com
● Former bronze Top Banana-bagger for ‘consistently making the best cocktails in town’. Recently bought by the Coal Grill & Bar chain – the new menu will reflect the best of Severnshed’s existing Euro-inspired flavours (including excellent tapas), and add some of Coal’s fresh chargrilled cuisine. The building in which it stands is a former Brunel boathouse. Boasts bar and restaurant sides with separate identities, with both areas united by the unique stainless-steel floating hover bar that can be moved up and down the building. At night the bar changes to a chic lounge/cocktail bar serving classic cocktails. DJs every Sat (sometimes Fri too), live jazz Sun. Look out for drinking and dining deals, plus promotions for regular customers. See also Restaurants, European & Mediterranean. Open Mon-Thur 11am-11pm (Thur opening to midnight possible), Fri-Sat 11am-1.30am, Sun 11am-10.30pm Food Sun-Thur 12noon-9pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-5pm

SLUG & LETTUCE
26-28 St Nicholas St, BS1 1UB
Tel: 0117 952 9900, web: www.slugandlettuce.co.uk
● Separate dining and drinking areas to enjoy burgers, pasta, Thai chicken curry, fish pie, and salads come summer. Open Mon-Wed 10am-11pm, Thur 10am-12midnight, Fri-Sat 10am-12.30am, Sun 10am-10.30pm Food Daily till 10pm

SQUARE BAR
15 Berkeley Square, Clifton, BS8 1HB
Tel: 0117 921 0455, web: www.cliftonhotels.com
● On the ground floor of Clifton’s chic Berkeley Square Hotel. Gastropub-type bar food takes in blue cheese & walnut salad, steak sandwiches and battered fish of the day. Polished wooden floors, deep sofas, opulent velvet armchairs, mirrors, artworks, state of the art video wall, elegant terrace and beautiful garden. Extensive wine list includes champagnes, beers, lagers, cocktails, digestifs, aperitifs. See Restaurants: European & Mediterranean. Food Non-members welcome to dine - phone to book

START THE BUS
7-9 Baldwin St, BS1 1RU
Tel: 0117 930 4370, web: www.startthebus.tv, www.myspace.com/startthebus
● ‘Like the vehicle driven by Keanu Reeves, this bus is already up to speed. Start the Bus? Start the Buzz, more likely,’ wrote our man after STB’s opening night. Two years on, the wilfully eclectic, Venue Top Banana-winning scene-setting mix of quizzes, jumble sales, upstairs art gallery, bingo, after-parties, local film showings and more, continues to thrive, all fuelled by sarnies, burgers (including a ‘hippy’ variety), Bath Ales Gem-battered fish & chips, Pieminister pies and Welsh rarebit, plus sides, desserts, fine Sunday roasts and varied drink options. Our man dropped in again recently to see an electronic duo (who’d driven from Paris that day to play here) blown away by their support act. Them’s the breaks – as Keanu Reeves probably didn’t say to Sandra Bullock. Open Mon-Wed 10am-1am, Thur-Sat 10am-3am, Sun 12noon-1am Food Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 12noon-9pm

NEW
TERRACE
220 North St, Southville, BS3 1JD
Tel: 0117 963 9044, email: bookatable@theterracegroup.co.uk
● The menu at this stylish cafe-bar with its extensive side terrace was set to change as we went to press. Diners had been enjoying the likes of burgers, lamb cutlets, and homemade salmon & haddock fishcakes. Open/Food Mon-Sat 8am-11pm, Sun 9am-11pm

NEW
31
31 Corn St, BS1 1HT
Tel: 0117 929 0118, www.31cornstreet.co.uk
● The ‘new’ designation is slightly misleading here as what was still 31 Corn Street as we went to press was set to become 31 shortly after. Expect then the same swanky feel in this high-ceilinged city centre hotspot housed in a striking grade II-listed building. The emphasis is increasingly on its role as a bar and late-night venue but food is served daily and all day from Friday through Sunday. The grill menu has yet to be confirmed but steaks, pizzas and pastas are set to feature prominently. Food Mon-Thur 5-9pm, Fri-Sun 12noon-9pm.

TINTO LOUNGE
344 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8TP
Tel: 0117 942 0526, web: www.thelounges.co.uk
● Cool, friendly cafe-bar making plenty that, like the others in the Lounge group, offers a Venue Top Banana-winning formula of food, mood and drink. Dishes include fine tapas, burgers, falafel & roasted Moroccan vegetable salad, panfried monkfish marinated in garlic and smoked paprika on herb polenta, 28-day-aged rump steak, and sweet potato, puy lentil & spinach curry. Open Daily 9am-11pm Food Daily 9am-10pm

TOBACCO FACTORY CAFE-BAR
Raleigh Rd, Southville, BS3 1TF
Tel: 0117 902 0060, web: www.tobaccofactory.com
● Popular with everyone from a young, funky crowd and old lags to kids, theatregoers, film-lovers, artists and scientists. Green Room hosts regular short films, special events, monthly science cafe, Wed quiz night and local Stitch and Bitch group. Live music every Sun from 8pm, DJs on Thur. Open kitchen produces good-value seasonal food with Mediterranean touches. Kids’ meals available lunchtimes, plus £5 crunch lunch weekdays. Mains include ethically sourced fish, meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes. Industrial-style interior designed by local owner/architect George Ferguson, local artwork, atmospheric sound and lighting, and candles come the evening. Sunshiney yard, terrace with outside bar, must-see sweeping tensile canopy. Open Mon-Thur 12noon-11pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-12midnight, Sun 10am-11pm

WATERSHED CAFE-BAR
1 Canons Rd, Harbourside, BS1 5TX
Tel: 0117 927 5101, web: www.watershed.co.uk
● Continental cafe by day, hugely popular bar by night, open early till late for breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks and late-night bites – fresh, local and ethical. Independent beers and international wines, and three cinemas showing independent films in this arts and media centre. See also Restaurants, European & Mediterranean. Open Mon 10.30am-11pm, Tue-Thur 9.30am-11pm, Fri 9.30am-12midnight, Sat 10am-12midnight, Sun 10am-10.30pm Food Mon 10.30am-9pm, Tue 9.30am-9pm, Wed-Fri 9.30am-10pm, Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 12noon-7pm

WHITE LION BAR & TERRACE
Avon Gorge Hotel, Sion Hill, Clifton, BS8 4LD
Tel: 0117 973 8955, web: www.theavongorge.com
● Hugely popular bar attached to the Avon Gorge Hotel, complete with one of the South West’s largest terraces overlooking the Suspension Bridge and Somerset’s hills beyond. Bar menu features jackets, curry, baguettes, lasagne, burgers and snacks. Four screens for the summer footy. Open Mon-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 12noon-10.30pm. Food Daily 12noon-10pm

ZERODEGREES
53 Colston St, BS1 5BA
Tel: 0117 925 2706, web: www.zerodegrees.co.uk
● Pioneering drinking and dining concept combining bar, restaurant and onsite brewery (which uses no artificial colouring, preservatives or sweeteners). Sleek industrial interior with alfresco dining balconies. European-influenced dishes include pizza, pasta, salad and risottos. See also Restaurants, European & Mediterranean. Open Mon-Sat 12noon-12 midnight, Sun 12noon-11pm

ZEST CAFE, LOUNGE & BAR
408 Gloucester Rd, Horfield, BS7 8TR
Tel: 0117 949 0142
● Due for a decor change as we went to press, when the feel was Mediterranean, with chunky wooden tables, yellow and orange hues and candlelit evenings. Authentic Mediterranean and traditional British cuisine, from weekend full English breakfast through light bites to the evening’s restaurant incarnation. Starters include homemade falafel and marinated black tiger prawns, mains take in traditional chicken tagine and herb-crusted salmon. Open Mon-Fri 6pm-late, Sat 10am-late, Sun 10am-5pm

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