Bristolians share their ideal Bristol date day

“It’s Sunday, sunny and we’re up early. What else but straight to Rosemarino for an eggs benedict washed down with a bloody mary or two? A long winding potter through Clifton and down along the waterfront works up enough of an appetite that when we stumble upon some of Bristol’s finest street food – currently loving the fabulous Feastie Boys – we’re peckish enough to indulge. We meander up to Brandon Hill with our treats and take-out coffees: we people watch and read the papers and make big life plans. As the sun sets we meet friends for cider and music on Gloucester Road and then, in true Bristol fashion, the night takes us where it will.”
Gemma Peryer, part-time historian and part-time catering business owner

“Kick the day off with breakfast and coffee at The Farm cafe in Clifton, before going for a walk along the Suspension Bridge to break the ice and get to know each other. For lunch, stop off at The Stable on the harbourside for some pizza and a cider tasting board. From there go for a couple of afternoon drinks at the various bars nearby. In the afternoon we would head down to the Old Vic to watch a play with some dinner, finally finishing the night in style listening to jazz at the Old Duke.”
Tommy Johnson, hydraulic and pneumatic systems engineer

“The perfect day with my Mr would start with going for breakfast at Riverstation – it’s sunny so we sit on the terrace. I would order a cappuccino and their scrambled eggs and smoked salmon and he would order a bloody mary and a full English. Then a big walk around the harbour and up Park Street where we would hit the shops. Late afternoon we would head to Pata Negra and have a long late lunch of all the tapas and white Rioja. We’d then call in some favours from old friends and pretend we are still cool (and young), grabbing guest list at Motion and go dancing with ‘the kids’ for a couple of hours and drink far too many rum and cokes.”
Sally Telford, mum, Bristolkin.co.uk co-founder and marketing specialist

“Leisurely breakfast, they do a fantastic bacon sarnie at No. 12 Easton. Head up to Leigh Woods for a nice, long muddy walk. Meet friends for a pint of ale, sat outside the Arnolfini if it’s a nice day. Then off home to cook a roast dinner.”
Dan Bright, freelance illustrator and designer

“Browns is the perfect start to any date – effortlessly elegant but not up itself and would help make a strong first impression. Some entertainment would be good – the White Bear’s Wardrobe Theatre stages wicked comedy and shows. The pub always gets the vibe right and even when Huey Morgan DJs it’s cool yet laid back. Zerodegrees’ drinks range is fun and outdoor drinking on a summer’s evening would see the conversation flow. YoYo Burger is the place to end up when hungry – the downstairs video screen-table an awesome surprise. After all this, I would hope to get a second date!” 
Simon Fry, freelance writer

Photograph by Joanna Papageorgiou. Map illustration behind letters by Emmeline Simpson.