People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Charlotte Bond
Charlotte Bond is the guitarist in the Gin Birkins and part of the management team at the Shakespeare pub in Redland.
In her own words, she is the “Kylie adoring, guitar playing, curry counting, pint pouring, cat adopting, Dan loving, Keaveny following Fringe. Or The Fringe for short.”
These are Charlotte’s top-five Bristol favourites:
is needed now More than ever
Rock Salt
Rock Salt on Cotham Hill serves a unique combination of Indian and Chinese food – photo: Martin Booth
“Usually places with more than one cuisine compromises in flavour – but not here! The husband and wife team at Rock Salt on Cotham Hill know what they’re doing. Both Indian and Chinese food in one place. Crispy chilli chicken where you can actually taste the chilli, the king prawn curry is amazing and the kimchi with the poppadoms is a nice difference. Go across the road to Crying Wolf for a cheeky mezcal mojito after.”
Urban Tandoor
Urban Tandoor have won numerous awards – photo: Martin Booth
“I almost went with Nutmeg in Clifton Village but I’m going to go Urban Tandoor on Small Street as the heat suits me more; I like things with a kick! The lamb shank is lush, just falls off of the bone and their staff are hilarious, (check out their Insta).”
The Lanes
What is now The Lanes was once Bristol’s dole office – photo: Martin Booth
“Bowling, Dead Man’s Fingers rum, karaoke, live music. I rarely venture into the centre to avoid any stag or hen dos but it’s worth it to come to The Lanes, especially if Miles Hastings is the live music promoter that evening. Pizza looks amazing but unfortunately no GF option so never tried it.”
Snobby’s
Snobby’s is a wine restaurant cum bar on Chandos Road in Redland promising Italian dining in a relaxed environment – photo: Martin Booth
“My favourite GF pizza in Bristol! But a lot of the time I just like popping into Snobby’s if I see Nick waving through the window. I ask him to get whatever he recommends, I trust him and it’s always amazing. Extremely laid back here, it’s treating yourself but in a very comfortable way.”
The Shakespeare
The Shakespeare on Lower Redland Road may be Charlotte’s place of work but it is also one of her favourite places in Bristol – photo: Martin Booth
“Okay, I’m very biased BUT there’s a beer garden, the pub quiz is hilarious (examples: egg and spoon race, Dyson review or vibrator review round, taste the puree and name what’s in it), the roasts are banging, head chef Toast (his name, not speciality) is brilliant – look out for specials, the chicken burger is great; the hot Frank’s sauce with the fire extinguisher blue cheese sauce, and i don’t even like blue cheese! No wonder I even go to the Shakey in my spare time.”
Main photo: Charlotte Bond
Read more: An evening with the Curry Crusaders
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