My Bristol Favourites: Natalie Brereton

Known by many as Bristol’s burger queen, EatDrink24/7 panellist Natalie Brereton is taking part in a Big Burger-Off at the Kensington Arms in Redland on Thursday, June 7 when she will be going head to head with co-owner Josh Eggleton and head chef Luke Hawkins in a bid to create the best burger.

The evening costs £30 per person with starters of of rabbit nuggets, a choice of two burgers from a menu of four, dirty fries for the table to share, dessert doughnuts and three beer pairings from Bristol Beer Factory. To book your place, call 0117 944 6444.

Here are Natalie’s top-five Bristol favourites:

Wilsons

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“I have a soft spot for Wilsons restaurant because it ticks so many boxes for me. I just love it. The space is unfussy and modest while the food is honest, simple and executed beautifully. I think Jan Ostle is a genius. I am a big fan of local, quality produce and to be in the knowledge that most of the ingredients have been grown on Jan’s plot, or caught by the man himself makes it taste that much better. It’s perfectly relaxed and delicious, which is what makes it so enjoyable.”

The Bank Tavern

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“The Bank is one of the best boozers in Bristol. It’s a ‘proper’ pub; traditional, welcoming and cosy. The pub wouldn’t be what it is without landlord Sam Gregory and his amazing team, who welcome you like an old friend who they haven’t seen in a while, whether they know you or not. It’s the perfect spot for some Friday after work drinks, weekend frolics or a cracking Sunday roast. They often run adventurous eating dinner events as well as live music and a pub quiz. I’ve never been able to stop in here for just one drink, as inevitably I always get carried away with the fantastic atmosphere.”

Wapping Wharf

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“If you can’t find me in one of Bristol’s amazing burger restaurants, then the next place to check has to be Cargo 1 and 2 in Wapping Wharf. I adore this part of Bristol. It is such a great development with so many independent businesses and it feels like a small, happy community every time I visit. You can pick up fresh fruit and vegetables from Better Food, stock up on cheese from Rosie Morgan at The Bristol Cheesemonger and even get some plonk to go with it from Corks at Cargo. If you are eating out, there is so much variety amongst the shipping container restaurants and the whole vibe of this space within the city is so friendly and warm. I love it most in the summertime, when crowds of friends and families congregate and meet to soak up the good weather.”

Squeezed

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“Small but perfectly formed, Squeezed in Cargo 2 holds a special place in my burger loving heart. I’ve known owner Alex Hayes for quite a while now, and to see him realise his dream and open his own spot was fantastic, only made sweeter by watching it do so well and for him to sell out regularly. Alex’s creation, the St Werburger, has got to be one of my favourite baps of all time. It’s saucy, naughty and downright delicious. The homemade lemonades are also thirst-quenchingly great and there’s always service with a smile.”

Bristol Fruit Market

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“Bristol Fruit Market in St Philip’s really is an interesting and eye-opening place, especially if you are a food lover and enjoy eating out at many of the city’s fabulous restaurants. Full of fresh, seasonal and local produce – this is where you may find some of Bristol’s top chefs early in the morning, choosing their ingredients for service that very day. Everything starts as early as 3am, when deliveries arrive and are packed for lots of my favourite eateries. It’s a really fascinating process to witness. I am always quick to Instagram the many amazing dishes I eat, and it’s great to see the other side of it all beforehand too.”