My Bristol Favourites: Marcus Bentley

Marcus Bentley is best known as being the voice of Big Brother.

The professional actor and voiceover artist’s dulcet Geordie tones have also featured as a continuity announcer at Channel 4,on many television programmes, and on commercials to advertise products from BT to Locktite Supaglue, and from Fiat to BP Garages.

Marcus is one of the special guest panellists in this year’s EatDrink24/7, with this year’s annual food and drink guide launched on July 20 at a special event in Wapping Wharf with tickets available now.

These are Marcus’ Bristol favourites:

The Alma Tavern

Upstairs at the Alma Tavern is an intimate 50-seat theatre – photo: Zazu’s Pubs

“The Alma Tavern serve a great selection of beer and wine and a good variety of non-alcoholic drinks. As I’m teetotal, this is very welcome. The atmosphere is warm and the crowd is a mixture of all ages, which is perfect. As an actor and theatregoer, the upstairs theatre here in this Clifton pub is a fabulous facility. It stages top quality performances around the calendar. Such a lovely thing to have on my doorstep!”

Burra

The original Burra on Lower Redland Road – photo: Martin Booth

“Of all the amazing coffee shops in Bristol, my absolute favourite is the original Burra on Lower Redland Road. My friends Jake and Adele Heenan are co-owners, and they have sourced the most delicious brews. It’s also a lovely place for a light bite.”

Rock Salt

Rock Salt on Cotham Hill serves a unique combination of Indian and Chinese food – photo: Martin Booth

“In my opinion, the best curry around can be found at Rock Salt on Cotham Hill. They create both Chinese and Indian dishes, but for me it’s the railway curry: traditional lamb curry with black cardamom. What they do with vegetables like broccoli is also breathtakingly delicious! I was a regular customer during lockdown and their incredible food literally kept me going!”

Bosco

Bosco on Whiteladies Road is open seven days a week – photo: Bosco

“Pizza is done superbly well all over Bristol and I’ve yet to sample them all. My current favourite is Bosco on Whiteladies Road. The atmosphere in there is great and the staff are so welcoming.”

Matina

There is rarely not a queue at Matina – photo: Martin Booth

“This is no secret to most Bristolians but you’ve not lived if you haven’t sampled the greatest kebab/wrap in the world at Matina in St Nick’s Market. They put a lot of effort into their flavours, and I will often pop by for a casual lunch when I’m in the city centre.”

Ahh Toots

Ahh Toots moved from their original home in St Nick’s Market to the bottom of Christmas Steps – photo: Martin Booth

“In Bristol, we are unbelievably spoilt in the bakery department. What have we done to deserve this heaven on earth? We have Farro, Bakesmiths, Pinkmans, the Bristol Loaf and more. But for me there is a cake shop that is quite frankly ambrosia and that is Ahh Toots at the bottom of Christmas Steps. You have to taste it to believe it. No other confectionery comes close! Try anything they’ve got; you won’t be disappointed. If I was forced to choose a favourite it would be the tres leche cake.”

Lido

The Lido’s first floor restaurant overlooks its swimming pool – photo: Jess Connett

“I have to mention the Lido in Clifton. This is the only thing I’ve ever been a member of and I’m so glad I joined. Not only can one enjoy the first class Victorian spa and its atmospheric facilities, but also its glorious Spanish and Mediterranean style tapas menu. Absolutely a jewel in Bristol’s very full crown.”

Main photo: Television & Radio Awards

Read next:

• Dishes revealed for tasting menu at Eatdrink24/7 event
• World’s largest negroni made in Bristol
• New bakery opens with some of Bristol’s best bakes

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