Christmas dining in Bristol 2018

It may not quite be time to deck the halls with boughs of holly, but it is an opportune moment to get a date in the diary for some festive feasting. What more excuse do you need to head out and indulge in top-quality dining at some of Bristol’s favourite culinary destinations?

Whether you’re seeking a traditional roast with all the trimmings, an indulgent meat feast, a plant-based platter, or something entirely out of the ordinary, we have you covered with these five Christmas dining destinations.

Food from Thali is a tasty departure from the usual Christmas fare

Thali

Clifton, Easton, Montpelier, Southville and Totterdown
christmas@thethalirestaurant.co.uk

This year, Thali will be swapping Christmas trees for palm trees and replacing tinsel with toran. Ramesh and Asha have been hard at work in the kitchen creating a unique Thali experience (with not a turkey or mince pie in sight).

Catering for groups large or small, and with a healthy selection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free dishes, the teams in Thali restaurants across Bristol will be spicing up Christmas celebrations with an alternative festive feast for all to enjoy, available from November 19 across all Thali sites.

Pigsty’s food is meant for sharing

Pigsty

79-81 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8AS
0117 403 1247
glosrd@pigstyuk.co

This family-run Bristol business, which specialises in top quality pork products and dishes, will be serving up three different tantalising options to pig out on this coming festive season, available from November 24-December 24. Pre-booking is required.

Dishes include Pigsty’s Ho Ho Hog (overnight roast pork belly with sage stuffing, cranberry chutney, baconnaise and raw slaw, served in a brioche bun and topped with a glazed pig in a blanket), plus sausage and mash, scotch eggs and pigs in blankets. Dessert options include chocolate salami, salted caramel ice cream or apple cake.

Corner 77 offers a unique dining and entertaining space

Corner 77

77-79 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3RD

Nestled in the heart of Stokes Croft, Corner 77 is the perfect spot for groups looking for something a bit alternative this Christmas.

With a roster of some of the best street food venues in the city at their disposal, there are endless options for laid back, casual dining. A range of local beers and create cocktails, catered to your taste, ensures you won’t go thirsty either.

As well as offering a huge amount of choice when it comes to brilliant food and drink, Corner 77 can also help you to arrange entertainment in the form of local bands and DJs for your party, so they’ve got all corners covered.

Spike Island Cafe is a versatile hub for creative types

Spike Island Cafe

133 Cumberland Road, Bristol, BS1 6UX
0117 954 4030

Spike Island cafe is a wonderful place for your Christmas celebration – versatile, stylish and welcoming. Seated, standing, buffet or tiny bites, with a band, a play list or ambient sounds – it’s your party, do it how you like. The Spike Island team offer any of their regular catering menus, but the three-course Christmas menu is usually a winner.

On the menu is cotechino, an Italian pork sausage New Year favourite in Italy, served with fruits candied in a sweet, mustardy syrup – perfect for Christmas and solstice time. The veg option is a classic beef bourguignon recipe made with just beet (no beef!), carrot, portobello mushrooms and thyme.

The venue is fully licensed and offers a range of organic wines, beers, ciders and more. All dietary requirements can be met.

Bocabar
Unit 3.1 Paintworks, Bath Road, Arnos Vale, Bristol, BS4 3EH
0117 972 8838

This year, Bocabar will be offering a host of seasonal sensations on its Christmas menu and the chance to feast in the festive, fairy-lit back dining room, which is also available for private hire.

Seasonal specials include turkey ballotine, with cranberry ketchup, truffled bread sauce, pigs in blankets and turkey gravy, beetroot and goats’ cheese wellington and mushroom & cranberry nut roast – with all the trimmings. Plus, there will be the usual Christmas Pizza specials and festive cocktails and gins on the main bar.

The main bar will host DJs on Fridays and Saturdays for after-dinner mingling and dancing. Bocabar offers people the perfect excuse to dress up sparkly and enjoy a feast, plus an after-dinner boogie. The team can cater for small or large bookings. A buffet menu is also available for party bookings.