EatDrink24/7 recommendations: Writers

Have you picked up your copy of EatDrink24/7 yet? In Bristol’s first truly independent food and drink guide, now available for free across the city, 50 panelists share their recommendations.

Feast your eyes on all of the top spots, as chosen by Bristol’s food writers:

Andy Clarke, Television food series producer 

Arch House Deli
Boyce’s Ave, BS8 4AA    0117 974 1166
“Great position to watch Clifton go by. Sit outside even if it’s freezing! Great bakes and take home treats for foodie friends.”

Bakers & Co
193 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8BG   
“The best brunch venue in the city. Always buzzing with conversation. Great food and a naughty array of cakes you don’t need… But you have to try.”

Brew
45 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, BS8 2LS   
“In the middle of Whiteladies Road, don’t be put off by the condensated windows. They serve the best cakes in the area in relaxed surroundings with bloody lovely staff.”

The Canteen
Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, BS1 3QY   0117 923 2017
“Best place to sample the vibe of Stokes Croft on a big scale. Looks a bit rough around the edges but it’s the perfect place to set up your mobile office and sample great lunchtime food and hot beverages. Evenings get a bit crazy with live music but what do you expect?”

Gallimaufry
26-28 Gloucester Road,  BS7 8AL   0117 942 7319
“Perfectly summing up the diversity of Gloucester Road, this place has the interesting fusion of student pub out the front and great restaurant inside. Surprisingly sophisticated menu of tapas and larger plates in the warmest of atmospheres makes this place worth hopping off your bike for before the long hill home (if you live north like me!).”

Gloucester Old Spot
138 Kellaway Ave, BS6 7YQ   0117 924 7693
“Great pub with the feel of a local even if you’ve never been there before. Great mix of tapas dishes and pub favourites. Fab beer garden too.”

Hart’s Bakery 
Arch 35, Lower Approach Road, Temple Meads, BS1 6QS   0117 992 4488
“Redefining how good a daily bakery should be, it’s a reason to travel from Temple Meads even if you don’t need to go anywhere. There are so many great bakes that Mary Berry would be proud of.”

Lazy Dog
138 Kellaway Ave, BS6 7YQ    0117 924 7693
“This place has a wonderfully extensive and imaginative chalk board menu and a dog friendly policy. Fab food / super friendly staff who make you feel like a local.”

Milk Thistle
Quay Head House, Colston Avenue, BS1 1EB   0117 929 4429
“Prohibition at its best. You’d never know this place exists unless you know… If that makes sense! I’ve spotted people hovering outside looking at maps on their phone just as I did the first time I went. Inside is a wonderland of old curiosities – stags heads, burnt fireplaces and fascinating objet d’art. The mixologisits are a lot younger than the curiosities, however, and the cocktails are exquisite!”

Tincan 
234 North Street, BS3 1JD   0117 963 3979
“Perfectly positioned on North Street for you to get a cuppa, have an amazing sarnie and contemplate which direction to shop in. But if you can’t be bothered to explore nearby Bedminster or Southville, don’t worry – Have another hot drink and get a homemade cake!”

Volunteer Tavern
9 New Street, Near Cabot Circus, BS2 9DX   0117 955 8498
“In the shadow of Cabot Circus is a pub that contains the essence of what every pub needs. It’s an ancient, wiggly building with only a few seats and a great beer garden. The staff are passionate about the booze and the food is stunning for the price.”

Washingpool Farm Shop
Washingpool Farm, Main Road, Easter Compton, BS35 5RE   01454 632529
“The best bacon I’ve ever tasted is here, in this little shop in Easter Compton. More meat than you can shake your BBQ fork at, there’s friendly service with advice on cooking and a cafe next door if you can’t be bothered to cook the meat yourself. Cider on draught to take away too! Wey-Hey! Is this the perfect shop? Yep!”

White Hart in Littleton Upon Severn
Littleton-upon-Severn, BS35 1NR   01454 412275
“White Hart in Littleton Upon Severn: The perfect example of a village pub. Great food, draght berrs and ciders and fab service in a beautiful old building with roaring fires and their own veg patch. Beer garden looks out towards Whale Wharf and the (original) Severn Bridge. Perfect.”

Anna-Louise Taylor, Ex-BBC Food producer, now food journalist

Bakers & Co
193 Gloucester Road, BS7 8BG  
“I’m all about the brunch at weekends and Bakers and Co provide a wonderful feast every time. I have been known, to go in for a three-course brunch! Who does that?! Well, me. Trust me, it sets you up for the rest of the day! The sunny Antipodean/Californian-style food always brings a smile to my face. Starting off with the fresh and zingy smashed avocado with lime, chilli and coriander on sourdough (one piece for me, one for my friend), I often find myself unable to say no to the huevos rancheros, a skillet full of flavour. I have been tempted before by and loved the gorgeous Dutch baby pancakes, but really for me the savoury dishes here have it all. The Bakers’ Breakfast is big and just so tasty, the richness of a duck egg taking it to another level! The coffee (Extract) is always great, and sometimes a sneaky Prosecco might just make its way onto my table, if it’s after midday. It proves almost impossible to resist the ever-changing array of cakes and sweet treats on display – meringues, banana and cinnamon bread or pear and ginger cake… the café is all hustle and bustle and always busy but the service is impeccable.”

The Dark Horse
172-174 Church Road, BS5 9HX   0117 955 5725
“A hidden gem on the Church Road, the dark Horse is rapidly becoming St George’s worst-kept secret. A family, fun vibe and great Sunday roasts here. The secret room with huge disco ball is great for parties too.”

Dutch
16 West Street, BS2 0DF   0117 330 2905
“For something a bit different – try a little gin basil smash with an oyster on the side! And if that’s not quite right, they have more than 100 other gins to choose from.”

HMS Service Cocktail Club
Whiteladies Road, BS8 2PH   0117 973 3926
“What a cocktail bar! Tucked away in an unexpected part of Clifton, and full of quirks and fun, the drinks here are dreamy. They pour one of the best Old Fashioned’s in Bristol, using Buffalo Trace Bourbon.”

Flipside Cocktail Club
109 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2PB    0117 946 6144
“A strong love of spirits and cocktails puts this place firmly on the map – where you can also take tasting and mixing masterclasses. If you like a flavour to your gin-based cocktail try the early grey sour, a favourite of mine which includes earl grey infused Plymouth gin.”

Full Court Press
59 Broad Street, BS1 2EJ   07794 808552
“My absolute favourite place in Bristol for coffee, Full Court Press is for coffee aficionados – they take the provenance and terroir of the beans, roasting, and brewing very seriously. The tasting notes give you everything you need to know about each roast and the changes in flavours. One week’s roast is never the same as the next, ensuring that you will always be coming back.”

Katie & Kim’s
41 Picton Street, BS6 5PZ   
“One of my top brunch spots in Bristol, there’s never a spare seat at Katie and Kim’s big communal dining table. But the wait is worth it, a hearty brunch with all the gusto of big flavours, soft bread and rich dressings. I love the bacon on sourdough, with greens, aioli, date chutney and tarragon oil. It will set you up for the day and night ahead!”

The Greenbank
57 Bellevue Road, Easton BS5 6DP   0117 939 3771
“You can’t really go wrong at the Greenbank – a sister pub to another favourite of mine, the Grace on Gloucester Road. Big pizzas, an extensive bar, fierce cocktails and fabulous staff.”

The Spotted Cow
139 North Street BS3 1EZ   0117 963 4433
“My local for many years, the Spotted Cow remains one of the best pubs in the South. With bread from the local and fabulous Mark’s Bread bakery down the road, fish from Brixham and local meat, it never disappoints whatever day of the week.”

The Star & Dove
75-78 St Luke’s Road, BS3 4RY  0117 933 2892
“A gorgeous and quaint pub with nothing but a warm welcome and an exceptional roast on a Sunday. Classic, heritage dishes are always a cut above the rest, and this combined with great South West produce always hits the spot. The venison pie melts in your mouth.”

The White Bear
133 St Michael’s Hill, BS2 8BS   0117 904 9054
“Match a great wine list, extensive beer selection, pub classics from a lovingly-local kitchen and a homely pub with a vibe of the unexpected, and you’ve got the White Bear. Their specials are always actually special (£5 burger and chips?!) and great value for money.”

Claire Thomson, Chef, author and food writer 

Bar Buvette
31 Baldwin Street. BS1 1RG
“If I ever wanted to open a restaurant again, it would be like this. The wines rock and I love the small ever changing list. The food is spot on and eyes tight shut I think you can imagine yourself smack bang somewhere wonderful in France.”

Brockley Stores
Main Road, BS48 3AT   01275 462753
“There’s nothing else quite like it. An inspiring shop.”

La Ruca
89 Gloucester Road, BS7 8AS   0117 944 6810
“Their chimichanga en route to the greengrocers is the perfect grab and go lunch. Made daily, I love these South American pastries stuffed with black beans, spinach and cheese.”

Mat North, Owner of Full Court Press and author 

Barley Mow
39 Barton Rd, St Philips, BS2 0LF   0117 930 4709
“The perfect pub. It really suits any occasion. The cosy inside is warm and welcoming in winter, whilst the courtyard and outdoor seating serves those summer days. Excellent beer selection from one of the forerunners of Bristol’s craft beer scene and a contender for Bristol’s best Sunday roast. What more could you want?”

Beese’s Tea Gardens
Wyndham Crescent, BS4 4SX   0117 977 7412
“A Classic. Take the ferry down there in the summer and enjoy tea and cake as the river flows by.”

Brunel’s Buttery
Museum St, BS1   0117 929 1696
“Sometimes, while you’re walking along the docks on a sunny day, what you really need is a cup of tea and a cone of chips. Brunel’s Buttery has been serving this need for as long as I can remember, and no lazy amble dockside is complete without it.”

Hope & Anchor
38 Jacob’s Wells Road, BS8 1DR   0117 929 2987
“A great neighbourhood pub seemingly forgotten with the influx of newer craft bars. A contender for best Sunday roast.”

Papas
20 Waterloo Street, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1LN   01934 626565
“The best fish and chips, drive to Weston, grab a bag and have a wander along the seafront.”

Royce Rolls
St Nicholas Market, Wine Street, BS1 1JQ   07967 211870
“The underrated star of St Nicks Market. They’ve been in the game over 30 years and that experience shows. Great sandwiches, soups and cakes.”

Volunteer Tavern
9 New St, Near Cabot Circus, Bristol BS2 9DX   0117 955 8498
“Tucked in behind Cabot Circus, a welcome escape from the shops, great beer selection.”.

Natalie Brereton, Food blogger and burger eater 

Old Bookshop
65 North Street, BS3 1ES   0117 953 5222
“What’s not to love about this all-rounder located on the South side of the river? Head chef Alex Bluett is a wizard in the kitchen giving retro dishes a new lease of life with his take on them, alongside epic Sunday roasts and small plates. Also – a Psychopomp cocktail bar which also has a cocktail playlist to accompany your beverages – simply genius! Friendly, relaxed and a great venue where lots of all day drinking has taken place for me.”

Pata Negra
30 Clare Street, BS1 1YH   0117 927 6762
“Pata Negra is my go to place for when I am entertaining friends or for a night out – because this venue has it all (not to mention a BANGING wine list and a self-service wine machine, HELLO). Spanish inspired, the décor is chic and sexy, with opulent little touches. If you are coming to dinner, their tapas selection is fantastic (order the tuna tartare), perfect for groups as you’ll want to order lots and share. If you are just after some boozing however, the second floor, Noche Negra is the place to be – serving amazing cocktails and DJ’s on Friday and Saturday nights, it is perfect for pre-drinks or to stay and make a night of it throwing some shapes!”

Pony & Trap
Chew Magna, Knowle Hill, BS40 8TQ   01275 332627
“A charming rustic pub with outstanding food and service is what can be expected when visiting The Pony & Trap. Located in Chew Magna, with beautiful countryside surroundings and views, it is worth the journey out. Josh and Holly Eggleton bring diners a warm welcome and an ever changing menu using only the freshest South West produce, which has either been foraged for and/or supplied locally to the pub. With their own working farm also on site the food that arrives on your plate will not have travelled far at all and this farm to fork ethos is only one of the reasons the restaurant is so special. Al A Carte lunch and dinner menus are available alongside the tasting menu and wine flights, with the restaurant also running special events and one off tastings. I would highly recommend The Pony & Trap if you fancy superb food in unpretentious settings – wonderful for a special occasion or if you just fancy escaping the city for a while, it is a real delight.”

Romy’s Kitchen
2 Castle Street, Thornbury, BS35 1HB    01454 416728
“You might wince at the idea of driving out to Thornbury, but once you have sat down in Romy’s Kitchen, you’ll be glad you did, because the lady knows her way around the kitchen. In an understated, relaxed environment, you can enjoy fantastic Indian cuisine (the paneer is the best I’ve had to date) and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Romy is an excellent host and within five minutes of being in her company you’ll feel like you have known her for years.”

The Library
208 Cheltenham Road, BS6 5QU   0117 239 6585
“I heart the Library. Personally, everything about this charming little wine bar is just lovely. Situated on Cheltenham Road by the beautiful arches – I couldn’t think of a better place to spend an evening sipping on delicious plonk. Unpretentious and welcoming, dim lighting and candles make this bar intimate and romantic. Owner Louise is a girl after my own heart and will treat you as though she has known you for years, happily chatting away and giving advice and help on what to drink.”

Pam Lloyd, Founder of PamLloydPR

Bakesmiths
65 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2LY   07535 607061
“The PamLloyd team have spent many happy hours making food films upstairs at Bakesmiths. Great coffee, pastries, bread and anything else that can be baked in a big oven. Forward thinking owners too.”

Eatchu
The Old Mess Room, Exchange Avenue, BS1 1JQ   07872 539290
“Another partnership of grafters here. Guy and Vic moved to Bristol from Australia to make the tastiest dumplings I’ve ever eaten. How do they do it?! My two boys loved Eatchu. Time for another visit very soon!”

Hart’s
Arch 35, Lower Approach Road, Temple Meads, BS1 6QS    0117 992 4488
“I don’t eat a great deal of bread, pastries, cakes and other bakery fare. I really do try not to. But when I do, Hart’s would be my very first choice every time. Let’s not even talk about the cinnamon rolls. I so admire what Laura Hart has achieved here with quiet determination and absolute devotion to quality. Another Bristol institution.”

Swoon
31 College Green, BS1 5TB   0117 929 0093
“PamLloyd PR launched Swoon onto the Bristol food scene on a dark day in February 2016 and it’s been brightening the lives of Bristolians ever since. The gelato is sublime, the monthly Twitter flavour poll from which the next month’s special flavour is selected is a hoot to run. And Pat and Bruno, the siblings whose clever business idea this is are a delight.”

Tom Hovey, The Great British Bake Off official artist 

She Sells Sushi
St Nicholas Market, The Exchange, Corn Street, BS1 1JQ on Fridays
& Tobacco factory, Raleigh Road, BS3 1TF on Sundays
“There is a severe lack of good sushi in Bristol, so I was very excited when I discovered Lisa’s street food stall at St Nick’s Friday street market. She creates an amazing range of Dumplings and Sushi with toppings like Eel, salmon and quails eggs. I usually go for the bento box which includes sushi, and succulent slow cooked Beef Donburi with sticky rice, wasabi and pickled ginger… I’m salivating just writing this.”

Salt & Malt
Walley Lane, Chew Stoke, Chew Magna, BS40 8XS   01275 333345
“Chew Magna lakes is my favourite place to take visiting friends and family. It not only has fantastic scenery for long walks around the lakes but since Salt & Malt took over the old cafe it has the best fish and chips in Bristol. Run by Bristolian chef extraordinaire Josh Eggleston, you can either sit in the restaurant or get it to take away from the hatch.”

Small Bar
31 King Street, BS1 4DZ   07709 449708
“My favourite pub since it opened its doors on King Street a few years ago. It opened my eyes drinking two-thirds of a pint and drinking a different beer with every round. In the days before I became a father, I have spent many all-dayers and all-nighters in Small Bar tasting the delicious food pop-ups they have and trying hundreds of delicious beers over the years.”

Swoon
31 College Green, BS1 5TB   0117 929 0093
“I went to Italy for my honeymoon and discovered the wonders of gelato in Rome, upon returning my wife and I searched high and low for anything that came close, many tried but all failed. Until Swoon opened on College Green, if you have never tasted gelato and think it’s just a posh word for ice cream, get to Swoon and have your mind blown. I recommend the mango sorbetto and pistachio gelato for the authentic Italian experience.”

Read our 2017 food and drink guide, EatDrink24/7