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A CAPPELLA
184c Wells Rd, Totterdown, BS4 2AL Tel: 0117 971 3377, web: www.acappellas.co.uk
• Bijou little spot - cafe by day, cosy BYO pizzeria by night - with a community, family feel and local artworks depicting nearby scenes. Homemade desserts, tapas, all-day breakfasts, lunches and fine coffee. Traditionally prepared stonebaked pizzas arrive when the sun goes down. Very child-friendly, with toys for little ones. Free Wi-Fi, good disabled access and alfresco dining. Booking essential at weekends. Open Tue-Thur 9am-10pm, Fri-Sat 9am-10.30pm
NEW ALMOUROL
54 Filton Rd, Horfield, BS7 0PB Tel: 07768 439775
• Cafe set within the South West’s only Portuguese and Brazilian mini-market. Drop in for snacks and sweet things to go with your drink, then stock up on your groceries – everything you need for breakfast, almoco and jantar at barato prices. Open Mon-Sat 9am-7pm
ARNOLFINI CAFE-BAR
16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA Tel: 0117 917 2305, web: www.arnolfini.org.uk
• Make new friends (or possibly enemies) on Tue evenings following the launch of Arnolfini’s games nights. Turn up after 6pm with some mates or shift around the tables taking on all-comers at Jenga, cards or board games while enjoying 2-4-1 cocktails. Italian-inspired menu at this arts centre cafe-bar changes with the seasons to make the best of local produce, with high-quality imports adding continental elan. Quick bites (polenta chips and anchovy toast), pasta, risotto and pizzetta, and kids get their own choices. All-Italian wine list, local beers and ciders, bijou cocktail menu. Sunny quay is perfect for summer dining and drinking. Open Daily from 10am, check website for closing times
ARTS HOUSE
108a Stokes Croft, BS1 3RU Web: www.theartshouse.org
• Unpretentiously and effortlessly blends cafe, bar, gallery, retail therapy and event space. Light, airy upstairs cafe-bar with street-watching bench-to-ceiling windows. Quirky mosaic-topped tables, iron chairs and funky crab/spider ornaments (all for sale). Films, open mic (Thur), monthly magic night, poetry slams, burlesque and folk, and jazz and blues bands, with the basement available for hire. Tapas and seasonal menu served alongside cocktails, fine wines and beers. Good tea and Fairtrade coffee ranges. Free Wi-Fi. Open Daily 10am-11pm
AVENUE CAFE
1 Queen Square Ave, BS1 4JA Tel: 0117 922 0513
• Smart, spacious, modern cafe at the end of a side-street off Queen Square. Enjoy weekday breakfast from 7.30am (full and traditional, or poached eggs/grilled mushrooms on toast), morning coffee, lunch or afternoon cuppas and cake. Panini (ham, cheddar & spring onion), 14 different jacket fillings (chicken, pesto & mozzarella, olive-roasted vegetables with three cheeses) and daily bites taking in hot salmon salad, and spicy olive arrabiata on pasta. Buffet lunches and business meetings, take-out service, phone orders welcomed. Open Mon-Thur 7.30am-5pm, Fri 7.30am-4pm, Sat 8am-4pm, Sun 9am-4pm
BACCHUS
59 Apsley Rd, Clifton, BS8 2SW Tel: 0117 973 4892
• Lush all-day breakfasts, groovy lunches and splendid early suppers. See Restaurants, Global. Open Mon-Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 9am-4pm
BEESES BAR & TEA GARDENS
Wyndham Crescent, BS4 4SX Tel: 0117 977 7412, web: www.beeses.co.uk, twitter.com/beeses
• ‘Bristol’s best-kept secret – bar none,’ wrote our man of this Bristol institution in an utterly beguiling riverside garden setting. Weekly changing specials board serves up poached duck egg, black pudding, organic Old Spot sausage and bacon, or poussin with couscous, and grilled fresh mackerel marinated in honey and mustard. Regular offerings (Aberdeen Angus steak baguette, Pa’s Morning Muffin, a gorgeous cheeseboard) evince Beeses’ simple-things-done-well ethos. Perfect for families – the nature reserve next door boasts ducks, swans and herons. See also Bars. Open/Food See Beeses listing in Bars
BETTER FOOD COMPANY CAFE
Proving House, Sevier St, St Werburghs, BS2 9QS Tel: 0117 935 1725, web: www.betterfood.co.uk
• Seasonal, mostly organic, locally grown brunches, salads, soups, mezze and Sun roasts, with special diets (wheat-free, vegan) catered for. Big remit to reduce, reuse, recycle and consider carbon emissions. Food also available to take away. Open Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm Food Served till about an hour before closing (or till sold out). Brunch: Mon-Fri 9am-12noon, Sat 9am-3pm, Sun 10am-3pm
BIG BANANA JUICE BAR
Units 21-22, Glass Arcade, St Nicholas Market, BS1 1LJ Tel: 0117 927 3274
• A dozen juices plus smoothies (with ice-cream versions) and organic ice-cream shakes, with Brazilian superfood acai providing an alternative to caffeine-based quaffing. Try the Iron Booster (beetroot, watercress, apple, carrot) or Very Veg (carrot, cucumber, celery, parsley). Shot boards bring savings. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm
BLUE JUICE
39 Cotham Hill, BS6 6JY Tel: 0117 973 4800
• Innovative and hugely successful. Vast range of juices and smoothies includes their popular acai (full of vitamins and minerals), carrot, apple & ginger cocktail, and enduring favourite the five-a-day special juice (fruit and vegetable varieties). Wrap and juice deal £5. Almost all mains are vegetarian – try lentil & vegetable shepherd’s pie or cheese, leek & potato pie, plus salads for sunnier eating. Beautiful heated deck with canopy. All food available to take away. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 9am-5pm
BORDEAUX QUAY BRASSERIE
V-Shed, Canons Way, BS1 5UH Tel: 0117 943 1200, web: www.bordeaux-quay.co.uk
• Smart, spacious brasserie with bar within the Bordeaux Quay temple to all things scrumptious and sustainable. Food is modern European, with seasonal menus changing daily. Staple ingredients are sourced from organic suppliers, growers and producers around the West Country. Starters like smoked trout with Jersey royals, mains like pan-fried Gloucestershire pork loin with butterbeans, courgette and fennel, desserts like panettone and butter pudding with creme anglaise. Check website for regular events. Open Mon-Fri 8am-11pm, Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 9am-4pm Food Mon-Sat 12noon-10.30pm, Sun 9am-4pm
BOSTON TEA PARTY
75 Park St, BS1 5PF Tel: 0117 929 8601, web: www.bostonteaparty.co.uk
• Praised by both The Guardian and The Times, and boasting a huge selection of juices, loose-leaf teas and Fairtrade coffee. Excellent, seasonally changing menus: sweet potato curry, falafels, West Country burgers, lamb tagine, roast squash & feta salad. Reliably innovative sarnie and panini range, BBQs planned for summer and breakfasts that include herby portobello mushrooms. Seating on two floors and a terraced garden. The kind people here aren’t averse to a little charity work via fancy dress and some half-marathon running. Open Mon-Sat 7am-8pm, Sun 9am-8pm
BRISTOL BREAK ‘N’ TAKE
30-32 Upper Maudlin St, BS2 8DJ Tel: 0117 930 0776
• Cut-above cafe and sandwich shop opposite Bristol Children’s Hospital, where award-winning chefs conjure up soups, panini, baguettes, jackets, homemade cakes and tarts – eat in or take away. Express menu on weekdays, all-day breakfasts, deli and salad counters. Hot and cold drinks, plus alcohol licence. Continuous news coverage, Wi-Fi, outside seating, kids welcome. Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-7pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4.30pm
BRISTOL GUILD CAFE
68-70 Park St, BS1 5JY Tel: 0117 929 1874, web: www.bristolguild.co.uk
• Long-established and much-loved, serving soups, salads, quiches (the leek & mushroom is a beauty), pastries, cakes, cookies, scones, flapjacks, tea, coffee and cold drinks. A light and airy setting, with greenery inside in the terrace area and outside through the window. Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm, Sat 9.30am-5pm
BRUNEL BUTTERY
Wapping Wharf, BS1 6DS Tel: 0117 929 1696
• Bacon butties, sausage sarnies, cakes, cold drinks, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and more. Eat on tables outdoors or take away. Open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-5pm
CAFE DELIGHT
189 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8BG Tel: 0117 944 1133, web: www.cafedelight.co.uk
• English and European food, with more than a dozen breakfasts (till 3.30pm) and specials including homemade lamb & mint burger, haddock with crispy crumb, assorted tapas and nut roast. Available for private parties of up to 40. Free Wi-Fi. Open Mon-Sat 8.30am-6pm, Sun 9am-5pm
CAFE DU JOUR
72 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2QA Tel: 0117 973 1563, web: www.cafe-dujour.co.uk
• Swish cafe with a smart, modern look, large front windows, decked rear area and a Bordelais presence in the kitchen. Baguettes, croques, salads, quiches and assiettes of charcuterie, cheese or both, and a particularly sublime breakfast of smoked Scottish salmon, spinach & gruyere cheese toasted sandwich with steamed scrambled eggs. Specials, coffees, teas, juices and smoothies. Open Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat-Sun 8am-5.30pm
CAFE KINO
108 Stokes Croft, BS1 3RU Tel: 0117 924 9200, web: www.cafe-kino.com
• CK moved down from their pleasantly rambling Nine Tree Hill premises into their spanking new Stokes Croft refurb just before Christmas. But don’t worry – the Kino collective haven’t gone all corporate. They’ve just given more people the chance to linger over a latte or enjoy the simple but imaginative veggie menu. Art, creativity and community draw punters from far and wide for generously portioned hot meals for around a fiver, thick and tasty soups, spice-breathing tagines and those legendary veggie burgers. Local beers (Stroud Brewery, etc), Fairtrade coffee, Cube Cola to return. Entertainment includes Scrabble, book club and regular music. Open Daily 8.30am-9.30pm (kitchen daily 10am-8.30pm)
CAFE RETREAT
45 Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, BS8 2LS Tel: 0117 973 2842, web: www.caferetreat.co.uk
• Sky-blue frontage, stylish sundeck and a cheery feel. Food, prepared daily on site, takes in inventively filled sandwiches, wraps, panini, baguettes, jackets and mains like chicken in buffalo sauce with blue cheese and celery. Drop in for traditional and vegetarian breakfasts, daily changing specials, mezze, nachos, ploughman’s platters, quiches and minute steak in toasted ciabatta. Cakes, cookies and biscuits, too. Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm
NEW CAFE RETREAT (THE DOWNS)
Stoke Rd, nr water tower, Durdham Down, BS9 1FG Tel: 0117 923 8186, web: www.caferetreat.co.uk
• Once a Victorian gents’ toilet. Now you can drop in for breakfasts, omelettes, salads, jackets, soups, wraps, fish & chips, chilli, baguettes, burgers, ice-creams and a children’s menu. Extensive hot beverage selection includes Darjeeling, Ceylon, Assam and Earl Grey. It’s available for private hire (min 20 people), the parking is easy, and the kids can run around. Open Daily: winter 8.30am-5pm, summer 8.30am-6pm
CAFE ROUGE
85 Park St, BS1 5PJ Tel: 0117 929 2571
Cabot Circus, BS1 3BD Tel: 0117 954 4808
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.
CAFFE CLIFTON
The Clifton, St Paul’s Rd, Clifton, BS8 1LX Tel: 0117 973 6882, web: www.cliftonhotels.com
• Swish spot located above the legend that is Racks. Bespoke suppliers include Clifton Coffee Co, Bellevue Bakery cakes and Attic Tea. Try the jasmine tea ball green tea - an elegant, jasmine-flavoured honey-coloured infusion. Light dining includes jackets, baguettes and gourmet sandwiches (steak, honey-baked Wiltshire ham and cheese). Most of the downstairs menu can be ordered for upstairs eating. Home to book club and Stitch ‘n’ Bitch gatherings. Open Mon-Thur 8am-8pm, Fri-Sun 8am-6pm
CAFFE EXCHANGE
Corn St, BS1 1JQ Tel: 0117 922 4013
• Tea, coffee and snacks. Open Mon-Sat 7.30am-4.30pm
CAFFE GUSTO
54 Prince St, BS1 4QH Tel: 0117 376 3682, web: www.caffegusto.com
• All-day breakfasts include scrambled eggs on bagels. Impressive sandwich and cake choices, smoothies and a fine coffee range, using a blend from Clifton Coffee Co. See Sandwich Shops for details of other branches. Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-5pm, Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 8am-4pm
CLEAN BEAN LAUNDERETTE/INTERNET CAFE
274 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8PB Tel: 0117 924 1002, web: www.thecleanbean.co.uk
• Continuing Gloucester Road’s proud tradition of independence and innovation, Bristol’s first eco-launderette and internet cafe, where even the low-wattage computers are kind to the environment. The Magnus family, who started the business in 2010, wanted to provide a fresh take on doing the washing. Instead of it being a chore and bore, you can now sip a latte, check Facebook (free Wi-Fi), watch TV or just chill in the pretty garden, reading the paper while you wait for your washing. Serves quality coffee from a local independent roastery, and tasty but inexpensive treats and wholesome toasties.
COACH HOUSE CAFE
Ashton Ct, Long Ashton, BS41 9JN Tel: 0117 953 1800
• Panini, baguettes, sandwiches, jackets and homemade soups, plus teas, coffee and cake in tranquil surroundings, mere minutes from central Bristol. Open Mon-Fri 10am-5.30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5.30pm
COFFEE#1
33 Princess Victoria St, Clifton Village, BS8 4BU Tel: 0117 923 8021
4 Canford Lane, Westbury on Trym, BS9 3DH Tel: 0117 959 1749
157 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8BA Tel: 0117 942 9909, web: www.coffee1.co.uk
• Smoothies, excellent panini (chicken, mozzarella, oven-roasted tomatoes & spinach), wraps, sandwiches, baguettes, focaccia and cakes. Clifton: Early weekday opening, inviting leather seating and independent art. Gloucester Rd: Chilled spot with friendly staff and a cross-section of locals. Big French windows, opened come summer, let the light in. A few tables out front and a garden out back. Open Clifton: Mon-Fri 7.15am-6pm, Sat-Sun 8.15am-6.30pm. Westbury: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm (but check opening hours with cafe). Gloucester Rd: Mon-Fri 7.45am-6.30pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 8.30am-6.30pm
CREATE CAFE
Create Centre, Smeaton Rd, Cumberland Basin, BS1 6XN Tel: 0117 903 1201
• Creative menu at remarkably low prices: bread and soup (butternut & crispy bacon) £2.50, free-range egg & toast £1.50, full English £3, muesli/porridge £1.45, hot lunches from £2.15. Weekly changing lunch specials like Somerset beef hotpot, Spanish chicken chorizo, and slow-roasted lamb with garlic, rosemary, redcurrants and red wine, at £4.50. Vegetarian options include goat’s cheese & red onion tart with sunblush tomatoes and toasted pine nuts, and homemade falafel with tomato & apricot sauce. Freshly made sandwiches, jacket potatoes, quiche, fresh fruit, scrumptious puddings and a superfood salad. Fairtrade, locally produced and organic ingredients, and everything can be traced to source. Centre houses an art gallery, regular exhibitions and demonstration ecohome. Fab riverside views, too. Open Mon-Fri: breakfast 8.30–11am, lunch 12noon–2pm
DELIGHT
19-20 Perry Rd, BS1 5BJ Tel: 0117 329 0889, web: www.cafedelight.co.uk
• Delightful cafe opened in July 2009 by the people behind Gloucester Road’s long-established Cafe Delight. They’re working with Bristol Uni on a project restoring the optical trickery created by innovative tiling on this building’s exterior detailed in a 1979 Bristol Uni paper, ‘Border Locking and the Cafe Wall Illusion’. Similar thought goes into the food: the head chef, who’s worked in Madrid for five years, chooses olive oil not saturated fats for Mediterranean-style dishes, and staff get trained to make the perfect cup of coffee. Food, all made from scratch (with local offices now being supplied), includes specials, soups, sandwiches, salads, baguettes, cakes and biscuits. Tea lovers get 16 loose varieties. Free Wi-Fi. Open Mon-Sat 7.30am-4.30pm
DOCKYARD CAFE-BAR
Great Western Dockyard (nr SS Great Britain), Harbourside, BS1 6TY Tel: 0117 926 0680, web: www.ssgreatbritain.org
• As we go to press this cafe-bar beside Brunel’s iconic SS Great Britain is trialling 8.30am opening for teas, coffees, croissants, bacon rolls, etc, to coincide with the nearby ferry’s operations. Cakes (some baked aboard ship), jacket potatoes, soups, panini, salads, pizza and daily changing specials: Brunel’s steak & ale pie, chicken & mushroom stroganoff, chilli, vegetarian lasagne. Open Daily: winter 9.30am-4.30pm, summer 9.30am-5.30pm (and see above)
FALAFEL KING
6 Cotham Hill, BS6 6LF Tel: 0117 329 4476
• Dishes (all vegetarian) include poached eggs in tomato sauce, hummus plates and mezze plates. Shisha corner due to arrive. Live music, including Middle Eastern acoustic. Also do event and festival catering. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-11pm, Sun 10.30am-8pm
FOLK HOUSE CAFE & BAR
40a Park St, BS1 5JG Tel: 0117 908 5035, web: www.folkhousecafe.co.uk
• Recipient of an Observer Food Monthly runner-up award in 2010, this is an institution within an institution. Customers old and new drop in for high-quality food at down-to-earth prices, cooked freshly each day from ingredients that are mostly organic, local and seasonal. Books, toys and games occupy young and old alike indoors. Large, beautiful, courtyard garden is great for cold beers in summer. Breakfast, cakes, lunches and suppers, with utterly beguiling themed food/music nights. Available for private hire. Free Wi-Fi. Open Mon 9am-11pm, Tue-Thur 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-4pm (& eves for scheduled events). Opening hours change according to term, holidays and events - call ahead to check
FRIARY
9 Cotham Hill, BS6 6LD Tel: 0117 973 3664
• Cotham Hill stalwart since 1979, offering a timeless formula of good food in casual. friendly surroundings. All dishes (curries, chillies, casseroles, vegetarian options, delicious soups) are made on the premises, but the biggest hits are the classic breakfasts. Eclectic music mix draws a mixed and devoted clientele. Most dishes around a fiver, and kids are welcome (smaller portions available). Open Tue-Sat 9am-4.30pm, Sun 10am-3pm
FRISKA
36 Victoria St, BS1 6BY Tel: 0117 929 8971, web: www.friskafood.com
• Opened in autumn 2009 to serve freshly prepared, healthy and interesting fast food. Breakfasts, salads, wraps, soups and hot main courses are served in lunch boxes to go or to eat in brightly functional premises. Outside seating, too. Open Mon-Fri 7am-2.30pm
HAVANA COFFEE
37a Cotham Hill, BS6 6JY Tel: 0117 973 3020, web: www.havanacoffee.co.uk
• Relaxed atmosphere, extensive light bites selection, and excellent Fairtrade coffees, traditional and herbal teas and juices. Menu incorporates global favourites (chicken enchiladas, salmon and sardine dishes, chilli, panini, jackets, burgers, skins), 15 varieties of English breakfast (seven vegetarian) and 30 kinds of tea. Food is organic wherever possible, decor is South American-influenced, and jazzy sounds lend a mellow, light mood. Open Daily 8am-6pm
HERMANOS
55 Queens Rd, Clifton, BS8 1QQ Tel: 0117 929 4323
• Contemporary Mediterranean cafe-bar with dining separated into soup, bowl, tart, platter, ploughman’s, baguette and cake elements. Renowned for its later-on cocktail-bar feel. Open Mon-Sat 11am-2am, Sun 3-11pm. Food Mon-Sat 11am-3pm
NEW HOOPER HOUSE CAFE
113 Stokes Croft, BS1 3RW Tel: 0117 924 7180, web: http://www.hooperhouse.co.uk/ (TBC)
• Formerly Kuvuka, Hooper House takes its name from a fish and poultry market onsite here back in the day. Kuvuka’s African feel has been replaced by an eye-catching black/blue colour scheme wherein can be enjoyed breakfasts, salads, soups and specials alongside ciabatta, panini and baguettes (also available to take away). Venue hire available, Fri live music nights in the pipeline. Open Mon-Fri 8am-6.30pm, Sat 10am-6.30pm, Sun 12noon-4pm
HUNGRY BITE CAFE
33 Ashton Rd, Ashton, BS3 2EG Tel: 0117 985 3016/953 5950
• The Clark Kent/Peter Parker of Eating Out West, these premises lead a double life. By night, Al’s Tikka Grill (see Restaurants, Indian & Nepalese) but, come morning, they resort back to a working man’s cafe, technically known as the Hungry Bite Cafe, serving breakfasts (£3.65-£5.15) good enough to restore the strength of any superhero’s alter ego after an evening of crime busting. Open Tue-Sat 7am-2pm, Sun 8am-12noon
LA CASBAH
96 St Marks Rd, Easton, BS5 6JD Tel: 0117 939 8804, web: www.la-casbah.co.uk
• Open 13 years, this BYO community cafe has a North African feel: furniture is the genuine article, complementing authentic pottery and the Moroccan music rocking this casbah. Specials change every couple of weeks. Inventive menu includes Moroccan tagines (lamb with sweet prunes, cinnamon and mixed herbs), couscous dishes and flavours from elsewhere (swordfish in Mediterranean sauce), with admirable veggie choices. Bountiful seafood feast gives you change from a tenner, while mint tea’s only 95p. Sweets and homemade cakes. Private parties staged. Open Mon-Thur 6-11pm, Fri-Sat 6-11.30pm
LA RUCA
89 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8AS Tel: 0117 944 6810
• A wonderful atmosphere at this much-loved gem – cafe, shop and all-round community space that’s become central to the daily operation of the Gloucester Road. Vegetarians and vegans are looked after with tortillas, chimichangas, splendid bean enchiladas and flavour-packed falafels. Carnivores enjoy Patricia’s speciality Chilean corn pie, pastel de choclo. There’s an (almost) resident poet, and groups hire the place for poetry, environmentalism and meditation. Open Mon 9am-8pm, Tue-Sat 9am-5.30pm
LOCKSIDE
1 Brunel Lock Rd, Cumberland Basin, BS1 6XS Tel: 0117 925 5800, web: www.lockside.net
• An Edward Hopper diner in the shadow of the Create Centre, with decked terrace and stunning waterside views, serving breakfast, lunch and Fri-Sat dinner. Quality ingredients, fresh produce and excellent value. See Restaurants, European & Mediterranean. Open Mon-Thur 7am-4pm, Fri 7am-11pm, Sat 8am-11pm, Sun 9am-4pm
NEW MARCO’S OLIVE BRANCH
76 Victoria St, Redcliffe, BS1 6DF Tel: 0117 922 6688, web: www.marcosolivebranch.co.uk
• New incarnation, following last year’s entry as Dolce Vita. Curved floor-to-ceiling windows bathe both storeys in natural light for dining with a Sardinian slant. Takeaway menu offers innovative pizzas and pastas, and fantastic coffee. Very student-friendly, with a 10% discount. See Restaurants, Italian. Open Mon-Sat 9am-11pm
MELANIE’S KITCHEN
2 Downend Rd, Downend, BS16 5UJ Tel: 0117 957 2662, web: www.melanieskitchen.co.uk
• Ace cafe within an ace deli. Peter and the eponymous Melanie spent several years producing fabulous cakes and savoury items to sell at farmers’ markets. Drop in for soup, platters, hummus dips, ploughman’s, toasted sandwiches, etc. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm
MEME CHOCOLAT
19 The Mall, Clifton, BS8 4JG Tel: 0117 974 7000, web: www.memechocolat.co.uk
• Stylish homage to all things choccy. Menu includes breakfasts, panini, baguettes, sandwiches, soups, salads, cakes and, well, chocolates. Chilled ambience, friendly and efficient, and an alcohol licence (wine with your choccy; taster plate of truffles and bottle of champagne). The Marshfield Organic ice-cream is lovely, as is Amanda’s lemon cheesecake. Wi-Fi, and occasional late opening to coincide with events like Christmas lights switch-on. Open Mon-Sat 8.30am-6.30pm, Sun 9am-6.30pm
MRS BROWN’S CAFE
Victoria Park (by lodge, nr Nutgrove Ave & Somerset Terrace entrances), Bedminster, BS3 4QF Email:
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• New owners have celebrated with pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, suggestive buns on International Women’s Day and chocolate Guinness cake on St Patrick’s Day. Seasonal menu: iced coffee in summer, the likes of hot soup and porridge in winter. The Clifton Coffee Co coffee is triple-certified, teas are Fairtrade and organic, and milk, bacon, ham, cheese and free-range eggs come from a farm just outside Bristol. All cakes and soups are homemade (mostly by the eponymous Mrs Brown), with gluten-free options. Picnic blankets, deckchairs and cushions for when the sun shines. Open Daily 10am-4.30pm (hopefully year-round; extended opening under consideration)
MUD DOCK
40 The Grove, BS1 4RB Tel: 0117 934 9734, web: www.mud-dock.com
• Inspired, industrial decor and gastro treats at this cool, hugely popular Bristol institution in a former dockside warehouse, with great views across the water from the sundeck. Superb breakfasts and popular weekend brunches. Great food with Spanish influences, including tapas. Special menu for under-12s. See Restaurants, European & Mediterranean.
NUMBER 10
10 Zetland Rd, Redland, BS6 7AD Tel: 0117 924 1301, web: www.number10restaurant.co.uk
• A globe-spanning menu at this chilled spot brings leisurely dining across breakfasts, lunches, starters, mains and puddings. Decor is all willowy houseplants and wicker furniture, with MOR tunes piped at conversation-friendly levels. Expect mains like king prawn risotto, goulash, sweet glazed chicken breast, sirloin steak, Persian salmon stew, mild lamb stew with parsley and kidney beans, and good veggies choices, too. Desserts include the indulgent ‘Gold Digger’s Crunch’ - chocolate pastry layered with chocolate, toffee, honeycomb pieces, chocolate mousse and butterscotch with a crunchy almond & vanilla fudge centre. Alfresco seating. Open Daily 10am-10.30pm
OCEAN TAPAS BAR
185 Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, BS8 2RY Tel: 0117 946 9825
• Temporarily closed as we go to press. We hope it won’t be long before they’re up and running again, serving the tapas and churros for which they’ve long been known.
ONE STOP THALI
1 Regent St, Clifton Village, BS8 4HW Tel: 0117 974 3793
64-66 St Marks Rd, Easton, BS5 6JH Tel: 0117 951 4979, web: www.thethalicafe.co.uk
• Community cafes where commitments to seasonality, sustainability and local produce are writ large. Easton’s breakfast offerings include Indian omelettes and coconut pancakes. Indian light lunch menu brings Goan fish curry and masala dosa stuffed pancakes. Fairtrade coffees, freshly made chai, homemade cakes and set meals of curry, dhal and rice at great-value prices. Live music Sun (Easton), cosy sofas, Wi-Fi, tiffin service. See Restaurants, Indian & Nepalese. Open Clifton: Daily 5pm-close, Sat-Sun daytimes from 10am. Easton: daily 10am-close
PAPA COSTA DELI
67 Queens Rd, Clifton, BS8 1QL Tel: 0117 929 1600
• Enduringly popular cafe with onsite deli. Daytime treats include panini, soup and savoury snacks with a European emphasis, taking on the flavours of Italy, Greece, Spain, France and Cyprus. Eat in or take away. Impressive catering service for parties of 10-300. Continental beers, too. Open Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm
PAPADELI
84 Alma Rd, Clifton, BS8 2DJ Tel: 0117 973 6569, web: www.papadeli.co.uk
• Stylish, friendly deli and cafe. They’re passionate about the food served and sold here and its locally sourced, Fairtrade and organic credentials. Inspirations come from the Med, and signature dish the Papadeli Plate is a celebration of charcuterie and artisan cheeses. They even squeeze a couple of seats onto the pavement for alfresco refuellers. Open Cafe: Mon-Sat 9.30am-4.30pm. Deli: Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm
NEW PAPADELI AT THE RWA
Queens Rd, Clifton, BS8 1PX Web: www.papadeli.co.uk
• Opening just as we go to press, this Papadeli offshoot is a few minutes’ stroll from its older sibling. Food details are being finalised but expect sandwiches, cakes, drinks (it’s also licensed) and alfresco eating on the balcony. Open Daily 9am-5pm
PEAR CAFE
The Coach House, 2 Upper York St, BS2 8QN Tel: 0117 942 8392, web: www.thepearcafe.com
• Ultra-dinky spot that’s made a big name for itself for its delicious, homemade food, with UKTV Food Hero nominations in previous years. Breakfast and lunch, plus drinks and snacks all day. Fantastic sandwiches and salads (made to order, with Herberts bread), soup and cakes (must-try butterscotch and plain chocolate brownies). Lots of Fairtrade products, including hot and cold drinks. Catering arm, too. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3.30pm Food Breakfast till 10am, lunch 11.45am-2.45pm, snacks all day
PIEMINISTER
24 Stokes Croft, BS1 3PR Tel: 0117 942 9372
Glass Arcade, St Nicholas Market, Corn St, BS1 1JQ Tel: 0117 302 0070, web: http://www.pieminister.co.uk/
• Specials supplement the regular varieties (free-range British chicken; fragrant Thai green curry, sweet potato, lime; free-range British lamb, carrot, swede, mint, rose wine), alongside sausage rolls, small pies and sweet pies. The Fabio pie coincided with the mother of all kickabouts in South Africa, while a toffee apple variety sweetened up the rechristened ‘Pie Fawkes Night’. Available in numerous local outlets, as well as Stokes Croft HQ and a bijou offshoot at St Nick’s Market. Eat on site or take away. Sides include buttery mash, gravy and minty mushy peas. Compassion in World Farming awarded them Good Egg and Good Chicken awards 2010 – good work, people. Open Stokes Croft: Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm. St Nick’s: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
PRIMROSE CAFE & BISTRO
Boyces Ave, Clifton Village, BS8 4AA Tel: 0117 946 6577, web: www.primrosecafe.co.uk
• This place raises its own pigs – how ace is that? One of the great Bristolian breakfast institutions (established almost 20 years), this excellent spot is a sunny alfresco cafe by day and intimate bistro by night. Daytime sees an emphasis on local fresh produce, with salads, bagels, ciabattas and those breakfasts. Evening fodder – using ingredients free of artificial fertilisers or growth promoters - is distinctly above the cafe average, with a modern European flavour: red wine, radicchio & thyme risotto with parmesan crisp; ricotta & herb souffle with garlic cream and grilled courgettes; Cornish pollack; white beans & chorizo picante with parsley oil. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9.30am-3pm, Tue-Sat 7pm-1am
PURE PASTA, SOUP & SANDWICH
35-39 Glass Arcade, St Nicholas Market, BS1 1LJ Tel: 07899 862403
• Food with forza served up at this little slice of Italy in bustling St Nick’s Market: tortellini with pesto, cream and white wine, lasagne (plus veggie option), pizza, soup, sandwiches, summer salads, tiramisu. The pasta’s ready at noon, with coffee and cake to get you through the morning. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm
RAINBOW CAFE
10 Waterloo St, Clifton Village, BS8 4BT Tel: 0117 973 8937
• Regular music and dining evenings have been added to this spot’s charm following new owners’ arrival in Sept 2010. Combines cafe, secondhand bookshop and changing art exhibition. Homecooked cakes, sandwiches, soups, sandwiches, mains and desserts, with vegetarians catered for. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-3pm, weekday eve opening under consideration for summer 2011
RED
9 Clare St, BS1 1XH Tel: 0117 925 5461
• Sophisticated, chic, continental-style cafe/takeaway run by a bro-and-sis team, serving burgers, omelettes, pasta, pork chops, etc. Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm (eve opening till 8pm under consideration)
NEW RE*PLAY
17 Chandos Rd, Redland, BS6 6PG Tel: 07703 548685
• Opening as we go to press, this as-new children’s store (toys, clothes, books, highchairs, cots, prams) and coffee bar serves teas, coffees, juices, drinks, cakes and cookies at wallet-friendly prices. Located on the former Bella Deli site. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm
RIVERSIDE GARDEN CENTRE
Clift House Rd, Southville, BS3 1RX Tel: 0117 966 7535, web: www.riversidegardencentre.com
• Delightfully cheery spot (and laidback suntrap), now with bistro-style alfresco furniture, serving up a completely vegetarian menu that’s organic and locally sourced where possible, and all made on the premises. Summer mezze (olives, vine leaves, hummus), soups, poached eggs, jacket spuds, salads, daily specials and Fairtrade speciality coffees. Children’s play area, and windows overlooking the garden centre. Open Winter: Mon-Sat 9.30am-4.30pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Summer: Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm, Sun 11am-4.30pm Food Brunch till 11.30am, lunch from 12noon
ROYCE ROLLS WHOLEFOOD CAFE
Corn Exchange, St Nicholas Market, BS1 1JQ Tel: 07967 211870
• Venerable veggie institution that’s been going for more than 30 years, making it possibly the longest-established vegetarian cafe outside London. Specific dietary requirements (gluten-free, vegan) catered for. Loads of rolls, “millions of flapjacks”, pasties, savouries, jacket potatoes, soup, samosas. Astonishing herbal tea array, alongside their own blend of coffee and tea. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-4.30pm
RUBICON CAFE & CHOCOLATIER
26 Chandos Rd, BS6 6PF Tel: 0117 329 4408, web: www.rubiconlounge.co.uk
• New owner Umut’s experience includes time as chef at Bristol’s Colley’s Supper Rooms. He’s brought along Yves, a chef from Normandy in his sixties, to treat an ever-growing clientele to ciabattas, panini, baguettes, jackets, mezze platters and daily specials. Pizzas (Tue-Sat 5-11pm), including a vegan option, are also available to take away. If you’re eating in, there’s a BYO licence. Choccy lovers can still get their fix; art lovers can meet artists supplying the monthly changing artwork here on cocktail-enhanced nights. Rear garden being smartened up ready for summer 2011. Open Sun-Mon 8am-5pm, Tue-Sat 8am-11pm
ST STEPHEN’S CAFE
Off St Stephen’s St, BS1 Tel: 0117 929 4984, web: www.saint-stephens.com/cafe
• Good vegetarian food, freshly made. Homemade mezze plates, soups, wraps and other hot/cold meals highly in demand, particularly in the peaceful garden on summer days. Shakshuka is a favourite speciality – eggs poached in spicy tomato sauce. Originally a Tunisian recipe, the Israeli version is cooked here, with pitta bread dipped into it. Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-3pm, occasionally Sat opening
ST WERBURGHS CITY FARM CAFE
St Werburghs City Farm, Watercress Rd, St Werburghs, BS2 9YJ Tel: 0117 908 0798/07813 954933
• Presided over by the wonderful Leona Williamson and bagger of an Observer Food Monthly Best Ethical Contribution award. Seasonally changing menu with an emphasis on organic, Fairtrade, local and cyclical ingredients, with vegan, vegetarian and carnivorous offerings: spicy beef burrito; smoked mackerel; mushroom, chickpea & coconut curry. Homemade cakes, impressive tea choices. Hugely child-friendly, with ace garden on site. Happenings have included child-naming ceremonies and charity concerts. Food Daily: 10am-4pm winter, 10am-5pm summer
SAVANA COFFEE
273 North St, Bedminster, BS3 1JN Tel: 0117 966 0088
• Now with children’s menu offering niños their own options at this community cafe serving Spanish, Mexican and Greek dishes, plus panini, pasta, pizzas. Fifteen kinds of breakfast till 5pm, plus omelettes, jackets and salads. Plentiful outside seating. Open Mon-Tue & Thur-Sat 8.30am-5.30pm, Wed 8.30am-4pm, Sun 9am-4pm
SOUK KITCHEN
277 North St, Southville, BS3 1JP Tel: 0117 966 6880, web: www.soukkitchen.co.uk
• Formerly Cafe Ceiturica. Drop in for British and continental breakfasts on weekends, and lunches and dinners offering salads, tagines, skewers, fishcakes, hot and cold mezze specials. See Restaurants, Global.
SOURCE
1-3 Exchange Ave, St Nicholas Market, BS1 1JP Tel: 0117 927 2998, web: www.source-food.co.uk
• Modern British cooking is the order of the day at this cafe (shop also on site) formerly known as Taste, rebranded as Source in late 2009. A relaxing rustic setting (English oak, leather, steel) in which to enjoy breakfast (12 kinds), soup of the day, tea, coffee, freshly made snacks (free-range pork pies, sausage rolls) and specials (Cornish gurnard, roast Devon duck breast with lyonnaise potatoes). Open Mon-Sat 8am-4.30pm
SOUTHVILLE CENTRE CAFE
Southville Centre, Beauley Rd, Southville, BS3 1QG Tel: 0117 923 1039
• Daily changing menu offering soups, salads, jackets and homemade specials at this friendly, cosy cafe in a light and airy setting. Excellent place for meeting friends over coffee and homemade cakes. Private events catered for. Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm
SPICE ROUTE
61 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8AD Tel: 0117 904 0040
• Bright, friendly cafe serving homemade quiches and soups, easy-on-the-wallet fresh panini and baguettes, baklava, flapjacks, croissants, cakes and mighty fine coffee. Fresh fruit smoothies and exotic juices mixed before your very eyes. Gorgeous garden space out back; takeaway, too. Open Mon-Fri from 8am, Sat from 9am
SPIKE ISLAND CAFE
133 Cumberland Rd, BS1 6UX Tel: 0117 934 9077, web: www.spikeisland.org.uk/cafe
• Neat cafe/canteen in a centre of contemporary art and design. Coffee is Rainforest Alliance, grub is wholesome and homemade and comes at prices affordable for even the most struggling of artists. Sandwiches, soups, jackets, burgers, pies and chilli, plus bottled ales, lagers and wines. The aesthetic flourishes work well: colourful handpainted chairs bring a nursery-like cheerfulness. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm. Private functions can be staged eves
TAKE FIVE CAFE
72 Stokes Croft, BS1 3QY Tel: 0117 907 7502, web: www.take5cafe.co.uk
• The emphasis is on staging evening private parties of up to 100 and outside catering at this intimate dining spot. Food includes lunchtime curry deals and weekend breakfasts. Wi-Fi. Open Mon-Fri 12noon-night, Sat 10am-late night, Sun 11am-night
TART CAFE & FOOD STORE
16 The Promenade, Gloucester Rd, BS7 8AE Tel: 0117 924 7628, web: www.lovelytart.com
• Three components - cafe, shop and private dining/function room - to this place, which opened to immediate success in autumn 2008. Muesli, fruit and cooked breakfasts lead on to lunches (salad bowls, savoury tarts, specials), and afternoon tea (with a contemporary twist) is something special. Private room can be hired for swish shindigs or business meetings with a touch of class. Open Tue-Sat 8.30am-5.30pm, Sun 10am-5.30pm
TIFFINS
151 St Michaels Hill, BS2 8DB Tel: 0117 973 4834, web: www.tiffinsbristol.com
• The accolades continue for the wonderful husband-and-wife team here who were Radio 4 Food & Farming Award finalists 2010. Nick and Jay Jethwa cook with no frills and fuss, just excellent ingredients. Their Gujarati cuisine uses much less oil, and all dishes, freshly prepared each day, are cooked in sunflower oil only, using more nutritional spices than most Indian food. Food (seven regularly changing vegetarian and two permanent meat dishes; pizzas, too) is cooked and displayed cold in front of you, so it’s ready to be taken home and frozen, heated at home that evening, or eaten here with a beer, wine or soft drink – all at prices belying its quality. Walls covered with stunning photography (check the Kerala pics), seriously funky graffiti artwork and letters of thanks in recognition of Nick and Jay’s charity work. Outside catering and takeaways, too. Open Mon-Sat 12noon-2.30pm & 4.30-9pm
TOBACCO FACTORY CAFE-BAR
Raleigh Rd, Southville, BS3 1TF Tel: 0117 902 0060, web: www.tobaccofactory.com
• Mediterranean touches in the good-value seasonal food. Children’s menu, sunny yard, terrace, warehouse-chic bar and lots going on at this popular arts hotspot. See Bars.
REOPENING TUBE DINER
Paintworks, Bath Rd, BS4 3EH Web: www.paintworksbristol.co.uk
• Housed in a design classic – an Airstream trailer – the Tube Diner began serving up a friendly splash of Stateside dash after pitching up at Paintworks in September 2009. It’s been closed in recent months, but we’re told that new owners hope to have reopened the doors by the time you read this, offering a more diverse menu and a full range of Miko Fairtrade coffees. Pretty surroundings indoors, or picnic-style seating outside that’s cosy enough to bust your britches. Breakfasts take in pastries, bacon & egg rolls, French toast, American-style pancakes. Lunchtime brings soups, chilli, quesadillas, salads, sandwiches. Shakes and smoothies, too. Available for private hire after 4.30pm on weekdays and on weekends. The perfect spot for pre-cinema slurping if youngsters (10+) are moving on for multiplex movies. Open Mon-Fri 8am-4.30pm, Sat-Sun 11am-4pm
URBAN WOOD
90 Colston St, BS1 5BB Tel: 0117 929 3627, web: www.theurbanwood.com
• Formerly known as Wild Wood, this all-day, all-comers cafe, bar and evening dining destination comes with a comfy, laidback appeal. See Restaurants, European & Mediterranean. Open Mon-Wed 10am-11pm, Thur-Fri 10am-12midnight, Sat 12noon-12midnight
VILLAGE POTTERY
70 Princess Victoria St, Clifton Village, BS8 4DD Tel: 0117 973 4343, web: www.thevillagepottery.co.uk
• Pop in to see grapes growing in the bijou garden and a mosaic “made up of all the gone-wrong pottery”. Drink tea and coffee served in cups made at ace potter Jen Hamilton’s adjoining studio – you can see her at work and savour cakes (including gluten-free) made by Jen’s mum. A bristling guestbook notes comments from far and wide - the carrot & pineapple has a hardcore following from North Wales (they ring ahead to check it’ll be here when they visit). When all’s eaten and drunk, dad’s on hand to do the dishes. Iced coffee for summer, and if you’re lucky there might be fresh mint for your tea and a strawberry on your cake from the aforementioned garden. Open Tue-Sat 10am-5pm
WINDMILL HILL CITY FARM
Philip St, Bedminster, BS3 4EA Tel: 0117 963 3252, web: www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk
• Few places beat this one for seasonality. Bags of mixed salad leaves and chicken and duck eggs (featuring in the onsite dining) are routinely for sale. Ethically sound dishes, all made on the premises, with organic and Fairtrade elements found across breakfasts, soups, quiches, frittatas and daily specials. Light and airy setting amid the sights, sounds and smells of a city farm. Painting exhibitions add to the wide appeal. Open Tue-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-3pm
ZULU
27 Gloucester Rd, Bishopston, BS7 8AA Tel: 0117 909 3360, web: www.zulurestaurants.co.uk
• Burgers, steaks, sarnies and more, with wilfully exotic flavours from an impressive array of over 25 meats (crocodile, zebra, bison, kangaroo, eland, blesbok, ostrich, buffalo, kudu, etc). Breakfasts also available in distinctly-more-British bacon & egg varieties. Later opening hours to take your dining into a Zulu evening (if not a Zulu dawn). Onsite shop. Open Mon-Wed 9am-3pm, Thur-Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 10am-7pm |
