FOOD&DRINK

And the winners of Eating Out West’s food and drink Oscars for 2011 are…

Close the paper, turn off the telly, look out over the local food and drink scene… and it’s tempting to echo Jim Callaghan’s infamously insouciant ‘Crisis? What crisis?’ Maybe order books aren’t quite as bursting as before, but overall it seems that we’re still scoffing, quaffing and generally making merry like there’s no tomorrow. True, we’ve lost some friends along the way – notable Bath RIPs include the Walrus and Carpenter, Il Tocco d’Italia and the dear old Moon and Sixpence, while Bristol let the Three Coqs carelessly slip through its fingers – but there’s a wealth of great food on offer and splendid new stuff emerging, reflected in some of those places that we figure warrant a special end-of-year toast.

TOP THREE RESTAURANTS

BRISTOL

Winner: There’s plenty of talk about ‘seasonal’, ‘local’ and ‘foraged’, but grow-your-own collective the Runcible Spoon keep it real, tasty and excellently prepared night after night.

Runners-Up: As the awards roll in, it’s clear that Flinty Red remains on top form while foragemeister Toby Gitten’s Pump House must surely be tempting those star people?

BATH

Winner: La Perla – glamorous, innovative, authentic Spanish food in surroundings to match.

Runners-Up: For re-establishing themselves at the heart of good times-related merriment in Bath, the Komedia Canteen get a standing ovation. For bringing Michelin-standard fine Indian dining to Bath, we welcome the Mint Room with open arms.

TOP THREE BARS

BRISTOL

Winner: The Bank is always a totally cool late-nighter (even in a riot) but it’s a great breakfast recovery zone, too, and their pizza is a legend.

Runners-Up: Is it possible for a bar to be a ‘local’? Looking at The Social, you have to say yes – it does exactly what it says on the can, while No.1 Harbourside has taken the Canteen formula downtown and created a uniquely easy place to eat, drink and enjoy the music.

BATH

Winner: Circo – deckchairs in summer, chic’n’cosy (and recently extended) for winter... and food in the pipeline. Cheers!

Runners-Up: You’d be crazy to resist a cocky cocktail (or several) at the delightfully eccentric Cosy Club (and the grub’s pretty darn good, too). For an equally warm welcome, glossy vibe and good pinch of quirk thrown in for good measure, you can’t beat the Queensberry Hotel’s Old Q Bar - a very grown-up playground indeed.

TOP THREE PUBS

BRISTOL

Winner: If you like a real pub that’s all about a sociable drink, The Wellington flies that flag proudly. Great no-nonsense food, yes, but in its place. Whose round is it?

Runners-Up: The revived Richmond seems to have finally found its feet thanks to a tasteful refurb and useful rethink – well done, all concerned! – but it’s a real shame that The Grapes’ stylish Bohemianism and much-needed energy has been squeezed out of Clifton Village – commiserations to landlord Sean.

BATH

Winner: a constantly evolving menu, recently extended alfresco patio and the friendliest bar staff in town – what’s not to love about luvvie hotspot the Garrick’s Head?

Runners-Up: For bringing the G-spot bang up-to-date in proper pub style, Chequers gets a special commendation here. And he may have flown to a new nest that requires a little bit of effort to reach, but former Wheatsheaf superchef Leigh Evans’ tastefully cosy new home the Apple Tree Inn (near Glastonbury) is well worth the journey.

TOP THREE PRODUCERS/SHOPS

BRISTOL

Winner: He’s shut up shop but business is still booming for charcuterie ace Vincent of Castellano’s fame, thanks to deliciously award-winning bacon, pate and speciality sausages. Catch him at the Corn Street market every week.

Runners-Up: More street trading from Hart’s Bakery has brought great bread and amazing custard tarts to Gloucester Road, while the eponymous proprietor of Dr Burnorium’s Hot Sauce Emporium is surely one of the world’s experts on taste-bud destruction?

BATH

Winner: They’ve kept our carb intake up throughout 2011; now it’s our turn to say thank you to those glorious doughboys at the helm of the Thoughtful Bread Co.

Runners-Up: For producing top-notch British chorizo, we salute the Bath Pig Co. And where would Bath foodies be without Bath Farmers’ Market (the UK’s original farmers’ market), bringing 40-plus local producers together under one historic roof every Saturday?

Copyright Venue Publishing 2011