Bristol’s favourite Christmas Dinners

We all know that the best bit of Christmas is the good old Christmas dinner.

And this year, Bristol’s restaurants are going all out with an abundance of seasonal treats and drinks – served up with ALL the trimmings.

From age-old traditions to make-your-own-for-2021-new-ones, Bristol City Centre BID has rounded up the best of the best so you can head out for a festive bite after exploring their new city-wide lights and Christmas Adventures Light Trail.

Riverstation

Harbourside favourite Riverstation’s unrivalled views of the harbour are the backdrop you absolutely need as you tuck into your traditional Christmas dinner. Wash yours down with a bottle of chilled prosecco, mulled cider or one of the spot’s new festive cocktails. This year the team are offering a formal sit-down three-course meal or a relaxed à la carte menu in their pontoon bar so whatever mood you’re in, they have you covered.

Hotel Du Vin

Christmas classic, Hotel Du Vin, really makes winter dining special. From the bijou private dining room just off the main restaurant through to pre-dinner cocktails on the cosy sofas in the bar, you and your mate or date will feel treated from the moment you arrive. The team has created a three-course celebration menu for the winter season, or larger groups can opt for a buffet of seasonal treats in one of the hotel’s dedicated party spaces.

Browns

Browns, 38 Queen’s Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1RE – photo: Browns

This time of year is always magical at Browns. From the mirrored bar backdrop and its dicky-bowed barmen to the stunning surroundings of one of Bristol’s most beautiful buildings, get set to enjoy seasonal ingredients turned into hearty dishes – including succulent braised beef and vegetarian spiced roast pumpkin. The cocktail and champagne lists are tough to resist – as are the mocktails, which are sure to brighten up an early January evening!

Pieminister

Photo: Pieminister

Ding Dong merrily on pie. Yep, that’s right, Pieminister is back with its Christmas menu and legendary festive pies, plus some extra special treats that can be delivered direct to your door. Try the ‘Deer Santa’ pie with Wild British venison, or the heavenly ‘Good Elf’ pie with vegan Turkey and cranberry.

Pizza on the Park

How can you level-up a typical December 25th dinner? Put it on a pizza, duh. Look out for Pizza on the Park’s Christmas Carne pizza with tasty toppings including roast turkey, sauteed Brussel sprouts and chestnuts, as well as the merry Porchetta slow-roasted pork special with goose fat roast potatoes. If you haven’t tried it out before, Pizza on the Park is a community restaurant working with Bristolian food suppliers, brewers and artists – and the team love to offer up promotions for students and Bristol businesses alike.

Bristol Harbour Hotel

If there was a year to celebrate Christmas in style, 2021 is it – so look no further than the Bristol Harbour Hotel. From party nights with the team to dinner with your family, the former 16th century Venetian Library will truly dazzle when its halls are decked for the most wonderful time of the year. Dishes will include a sensational fillet of sea bass and roasted garlic, or brie, cranberry and red onion pithivier – and drinks in the hotel’s beautiful cocktail bar will kick off what is sure to be a very special evening.

The Florist

Walk into a floral wonderland this Christmas at the Florist on Park Street. Discover a selection of seasonal delights including butternut squash, sweet potato and cashew nut En Croute. A sensory world of festive food and cocktails awaits you in one of Bristol’s most Instagrammable spaces, thanks to local artist Jody who has brought some stunning paintings to the building as well as the beautiful floral installations that appear throughout the venue.

The Botanist

To make up for 2020, The Botanist are planning an extra magical Christmas time this year. The chefs have prepared exquisitely crafted dishes and tempting drinks, including an irresistible handmade mixed mushroom vegetarian wellington and a maple-glazed rotisserie pork belly and scallops. If you fancy a spot of al fresco this winter, the terrace is a cosy choice to feel the magic of the season under the fairy lights.

Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District is a not-for-profit organisation working to make Bristol an even better place for those who work, study, live and spend leisure time in the city. For more information, visit www.bristolcitycentrebid.co.uk 

Main photo: Riverstation

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