EatDrink24/7 recommendations: best of south Bristol

Have you picked up your copy of EatDrink24/7 yet? In Bristol’s first truly independent food and drink guide, now available for free across the city, 50 panelists share their recommendations.

In the latest of a series of daily features all this week, here are our panelists’ picks places to eat and drink south of the river.

RESTAURANTS

A Capella
184c Wells Road, BS4 2AL

Mediterranean flavours are served up in this bring your own booze pizzeria-cum-cafe. Pizzas, tapas, desserts and salads are available to have in or takeaway. Delivery available. Open Mon- Thurs 8am-10pm; Fri & Sat 8am-10.30pm.

“Excellent BYO pizza restaurant that’s great for family gatherings.” – Flora Slater, The Pickled Brisket

Birch
47 Raleigh Road, BS3 1QS

With an ever changing, locally-sourced menu, Birch has received high praise for its small plates since opening in 2014. This South Bristol gem is inspired by British regional cooking made with home-grown produce, much of it from owners Sam and Beccy’s allotment in Whitchurch. Sustainability and intimate cooking are at the heart of this imaginative restaurant, which also hosts occasional special events and burger nights. Open Weds- Fri 6pm-10pm; Sat 12.30pm-2pm & 6pm-10pm.

“Beccy and Sam are passionate, dedicated and experts in what they do. They source great wines and ingredients for their dishes if they aren’t grow themselves and the service is perfect.” – Kieran Waite, Bravas & Bakers & Co

“These guys are a look into the future of sustainable restaurants as they not only endure everything is local, but grow a huge amount of their own vegetables too.” – Sara Venn, Incredible Edible

“Sam and Becky love what they do and it really shows in their restaurant. Their garden is full of a wide range of produce which is not often found on menus and each one carries a story. Every aspect of each dish on the menu deserves its’ place and the wine list is given the same level of care and attention. Passion and fun speak very loudly at Birch, as well as seasonality and sustainability.” – Joe Wheatcroft, Source

“Birch is my absolute favourite Bristol restaurant. Owners, Sam Leach and his wife, Becky are uncompromising in the quality and seasonality of the produce they use in their modern British menu (many of the vegetables are grown in their own allotment). As well as training as a chef, Sam has worked as a butcher and a baker and it shows. If there’s one restaurant where I want to order the entire menu (and have actually almost managed it a few times) this is it.” – Dan Vaux-Nobes, bon vivant

The Eating Room
156-158 Wells Rd, BS4 2AG

Sandwiches and snacks using local, seasonal ingredients. Bringing coffees, brunches and dinners to the people of Totterdown. The Eating Room opened in 2015, sharing a space with a vintage clothes store but later took over the whole space. Open Fri-Sat 10am to 2pm & 6pm to 9pm; Mon-Tue 9am to 2pm; Thurs 6pm to 9pm.

“I have lived just off Wells Road in Totterdown for the last couple of years and it has seen some real changes in that time. One of my favourite new spots is The Eating Room. They serve an ever changing menu mixing British and Mediterranean flavours, for brunch and evening sittings, as well as hosting supper clubs by local foodie businesses.” – Tom Hovey, The Great British Bake Off official artist.

Souk Kitchen
277 North Street, BS3 1JP

Souk Kitchen’s walls are as vibrant as its menu, with dishes taking inspiration from Middle Eastern and North African cuisine. Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, this is a delight for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Open Mon & Tue 5.30pm-10pm; Weds- Fri midday-3pm & 5.30pm-late; Sat 10am-3pm & 5.30pm-late; Sun 10am-3pm & 6pm-9pm.

“The flavour combinations in Souk are just amazing. Consistently excellent food and a great atmosphere. Good for breakfast too for something a bit different.” – Pete Snowman, Bristol Cider Shop

“A regular haunt of mine. The food is brilliant with lots of interesting flavours. It is a must visit if you haven’t been.” – Dan Berkhradnia, The Burger Joint

“I love Souk Kitchen, be it for a delicious brunch of shakshuka, a lunch of little nibbles to share, or a full dinner, with sharing mezzes to start, and whatever delicious main course options are on the menu at the time! I don’t think I have ever been disappointed with my choice of food there, and am confident that whatever I choose will be packed full of so much incredible flavour.” – Zara Narracott, Zara’s Chocolates

“The pungent aromas is like a kick in the face when you walk in and the flavours are just as powerful.” – Kieran White, Bravas and Bakers &Co

Thali Cafe
Tobacco Factory, North St, BS3 1TF
1 William Street, BS3 4TU

As its name suggests this Bristol institution has Thali, a traditional Indian platter of several small dishes, at its heart.  Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Thali Café is an affordable taste of the East. Open Mon-Sun midday-10pm (Tobacco Factory) and Mon-Sun 5pm-10pm (Totterdown).

“Reminding you of how tasty a curry can be. Particularly good if you’re looking for somewhere veggie or vegan friendly.” – Dee Davies, Jinzu

“Delicious, varied menu with green credentials because of its takeaway tiffins.” – Flora Slater, The Pickled Brisket

Viva La Mexicana
149 East Street, BS3 4EJ

Viva la Mexicana’s menu is full to bursting with traditional Mexican snacks, mains and street food. Loud and proud about the language and culture that inspires it, this vibrant eatery serves week-long dinner and Saturday brunch. The bar also serves a mean margarita. Open Tues-Fri 6pm-late; Sat 11am-3pm & 6pm-late.

“If you’re looking for proper authentic Mexican food in Bristol this is the place to go!” – Harry Calvert, Gingerbeard’s Preserves

Zazu’s Kitchen
220 North Street, BS3 1JD

Long opening hours and a chunky menu that changes with the seasons, Zazu’s Kitchen is a place of culinary diversity and delight. Nip in for a quick snack or a meal with friends against the backdrop of an exposed brick wall and rows of wine bottles. Open for breakfast and brunch Mon-Sun 9am-3pm; open for dinner Mon-Sat 6pm-10pm; Sun 6pm-9pm.

“My favourite breakfast spot south of the river. The scrambled eggs with merguez sausages is a guaranteed winner. Great service too.” – Pete Snowman, Bristol Cider Shop

PUBS

The Avon Packet
185-187 Coronation Road, BS3 1RF

A traditional locals’ pub serving well priced beverages in a friendly setting. Open Mon-Sat midday-11pm; Sun midday-10.30pm.

“The Packet has a great hidden beer garden. I believe Steve is the longest serving landlord in Bristol, and the grumpiest! But he’s actually a great guy and runs a tight ship.” – Kieran Waite, Bravas and Bakers & Co.

The Bird in Hand
17 Weston Road, BS41 9LA

A Bristol pub but in the countryside, this pub has been recently refurbished and given a spit and polish. It serves great food and top quality ales and has been awarded a Bib Gourmand and an AA rosette for culinary excellence. Open daily 11am-11pm.

“I love going here for Sunday roasts and a good drink. I think it gets overlooked. A lot of people forget that it’s there. But it’s a wicked pub and so beautiful in there.” – Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, Casamia

Bristol Beer Factory
291 North Street, BS3 1JP

The new taproom and brewery shop sells bottles of its own beers plus cases, gift packs and t-shirts. Open weekdays midday-7pm; Sat 10am-5pm.

“The Bristol Beer Factory has a tasting room next door, so the smell of the hops brewing is great and it’s nice the brewery now has a FOH.” – Kieran Waite, Bravas and Bakers & Co.

The Knowle
Leighton Road, BS4 2LL

The newly refurbished pub offers a great drinks selection as well as delicious bar snacks and meals. An establishment easy to spend a good few hours in, especially in the pub garden. Open Mon-Thurs 11.30am-11.30pm; Fri & Sat 11.30am-midnight; Sun 11.30am-11.30pm.

“This is our local pub with great staff. It’s a friendly community pub.” – Flora Slater, The Pickled Brisket

North Street Standard
11-13 North Street, BS3 1EN

Watering hole-cum-gastro pub, North Street Standard’s food and drink packs a punch, with pub grub aplenty and a range of craft beers. The setting is a cool and arty space to enjoy a bite to eat and a refreshing drink. Open Sun-Weds: 10am-11pm; Thurs-Sat 10am-midnight.

“My go-to brunch spot on a Sunday morning, with a laid-back environment, delicious menu, and no skimping on the maple syrup!” –Zara Narracott, Zara’s Chocolates 

The Old Bookshop
65 North Street, BS3 1ES

Part café, part bar, The Old Bookshop serves hearty pub grub and alcoholic drinks in fresh, eclectic surroundings. It also features live music every Saturday night. Open Mon & Tues 5pm-11pm; Weds-Sat 10.30am-11.30pm/midnight; Sun 12.30pm-11pm.

“I will ride a bus across town to eat Alex’s food. One of those menus where you want to order everything. A gem of a place.” – Elly Curshen, The Pear Cafe

“A unique drinking experience because of its decor full of antiques and curiosities.” – Flora Slater, The Pickled Brisket

“What’s not to love about this all-rounder located on the South side of the river? Head chef Alex Bluett is a wizard in the kitchen giving retro dishes a new lease of life with his take on them, alongside epic Sunday roasts and small plates. Also – a Psychopomp cocktail bar which also has a cocktail playlist to accompany your beverages – simply genius! Friendly, relaxed and a great venue where lots of all day drinking has taken place for me.” – Natalie Brereton, Food Blogger

“Atmosphere aplenty and now with a Psychopomp bar – whaaaat! We likey a lot.” – Fozia Ismail, Matatu Kitchen

The Old Butcher’s
57 North Street, BS3 1ES

A collaboration between St Werburgh’s brewery Wiper & True and the team behind The Old Bookshop just a few doors down. Six of Wiper & True’s beers will always be on tap as well as several of their bottles. Alongside these there are limited edition releases and experimental brews in development – testing potential recipes and new concepts. Open Mon-Fri 5pm-11.30pm; Sat & Sun midday-11.30pm.

“The Old Butcher’s, in an old butchers, naturally, complete with original tiles on the walls and floor, is the most exciting bar to open in Bristol in 2017. Like beer? Love The Old Butchers.” – Martin Booth, Bristol24/7

Southside Bar and Kitchen
172 Wells Rd, BS4 2AL

This Totterdown bar, with weekly chess nights and movie-themed cocktails, is as quirky as it is cool. Pub grub with a twist and a selected drink can be enjoyed on certain weeknights for special offer prices. Open Tues-Sat 5pm-11pm.

“Great cocktails and prosecco in a relaxed, friendly bar with a nice selection of small plates and burgers.” – Flora Slater, The Pickled Brisket

The Spotted Cow
139 North Street, BS3 1EZ

A modern, open space invites punters to enjoy a Sunday roast or one of its impressive range of gin, rum and whiskey. There is a gorgeous garden behind the pub for a summer drink or bite to eat as well. Open Mon-Weds midday-midnight; Thurs & Fri midday-1am; Sat 11am-1am; Sun 11am-midnight.

“My local for many years, The Spotted Cow remains one of the best pubs in South Bristol. With bread from the local and fabulous Mark’s Bread bakery down the road, fish from Brixham and local meat, it never disappoints, whatever day of the week.” – Anna-Louise Taylor, food journalist

The Star & Dove
75-78 St Luke’s Rd, BS3 4RY

A cosy pub that is often host to local musicians, The Star and Dove revels in its 200-year history, offering tavern dining using local produce. An impressive wine list and range of ales, beers and ciders complement the edibles. Open Tues-Fri midday-11.30pm; Sat 9am-11.30pm; Sun midday-10.30pm.

“I’ve never had a roast dinner come close and they are unmatched in their consistent delivery of the highest grade scotch egg in town. This place is fine dining under no pretensions, you can sit comfortably next to an open fire with a dog and a pint just like it’s 1682 or join the dining area next door for a low lit, beautifully presented and remarkable dining experience.” – Dan Pudsey, Durty Gurties

“A gorgeous and quaint pub with nothing but a warm welcome and an exceptional roast on a Sunday. Classic, heritage dishes are always a cut above the rest, and this combined with great South West produce always hits the spot. The venison pie melts in your mouth.” – Anna-Louise Taylor, Food Writer

“There aren’t many better places in Bristol to curl up a corner on a cold winter’s day than by a roaring fire at the Star & Dove. It’s more like a decadent holiday cabin in the mountains than a pub in Totterdown.” – Martin Booth, Bristol 24/7

CAFES

Beese’s
Wyndham Crescent, BS4 4SX

Hidden on the banks of the River Avon, Beese’s is among Bristol’s best hidden secrets. Enjoy dinner, booze and even high tea in this riverside gem. Open Fri & Sat midday-11pm; Sun midday-7pm.

“A Classic. Take the ferry down there in the summer and enjoy tea and cake as the river flows by.” – Mat North, Full Court Press

Craftisan
186 Wells Road, BS4 2AL

A creative hive of activity where you can partake in craft, buy cards and gifts or just drink coffee and eat cake. Fun for all the family. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm; Sat 10am-5pm

“A spacious craft café with a gift shop and good coffee and cakes. A brilliant place to take the kids who will have the opportunity to create while you relax.” – Flora Slater, The Pickled Brisket

Kate’s Kitchen
Arnos Vale, Bath Road, BS4 3EW

A café and lunch spot nestled in the heart of Arnos Vale cemetery within a glass pavilion. Serving up tasty, locally sourced food and drinks, freshly prepared on site. Open daily 10am-4pm.

“A unique café in the heart of Arnos Vale with wholesome lunches, drinks and cakes. This is a lovely place to end a walk through the cemetery with probably the most unusual museum downstairs that you will ever go to. Great if you’re into the macabre.” – Flora Slater, The Pickled Brisket

Mark’s Bread Cafe
291 North Street, BS3 1JU

Founded in 2009, this artisan bakery has become one of Bristol’s best-loved cafés and bakeries. You can see the famous Mark’s Bread bike pootling around Bristol delivering goods, and their café offers a chance to enjoy freshly-baked goodies. Be on the lookout for sourdoughs, pastries, cakes and breads galore, plus renowned bacon sandwiches. Bread-making courses and pop-up pizza nights also take place. Open Mon-Sat 8am-4.30pm.

“I was recently told that Mark’s Bread do the best bacon sandwiches, so had to try this out for myself. With their own homemade tomato relish, fresh sourdough bread, and delicious crispy bacon, it’s definitely one to beat.” – Zara Narracott, Zara’s Chocolates

“At the bottom of our road we are very luck and privileged to have a brewery and a bakery – what a dream! Marks bread is a regular breakfast for myself and Imo, probably twice a week for some toast! Either with butter and dukkah, or their homemade jams and curds. We also take bread away from the bakery to leave as a treat for our guests.” – Kieran Waite, Bravas and Bakers & Co.

“Mark is an inspiration to me. Before I opened Chai Shai, I used to walk here and I could not wait to open my own place. It represented everything, especially a change of career into food. I love the fact that Mark is now a regular customer at Chai Shai.” – Shilpi Choudhury, Chai Shai

Tincan Coffee Co.
234 North St, BS3 1JD

A one-stop-shop for coffee, brunch and cakes, offering a chilled environment in which to eat, meet and make merry. Open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm; Sun 9am-5pm.

“Perfectly positioned on North Street for you to get a cuppa, have an amazing sarnie and contemplate which direction to shop in. But if you can’t be bothered to explore nearby Bedminster or Southville, don’t worry – have another hot drink and get a homemade cake!” – Andy Clarke, TV food series producer

Windmill Hill City Farm
Philip Street, BS3 4EA

In the heart of Bedminster, this city farm serves up Fairtrade coffee and freshly prepared food all year round, using produce grown on site. No air miles required for this haven in the city. Opening times vary.

“If you’re a parent of small children and live anywhere vaguely in the vicinity of Windmill Hill City Farm then you’ll already know that the cafe there offers a decent caffeine fix, plus tasty stews and soups using home grown veg. Hire the barn though and you get to play around with the pizza oven. They light it; you provide the dough and toppings and go wild using the pizza paddles. Bertha’s this is not but it’s great fun (especially with a barn-ful of four-year-olds). The hire charge goes towards supporting the fantastic farm; and if pizza making gets too much you can always go and visit the piglets.” –Tessa Lidstone, Box-E 

“A great place to pop along to, particularly with friends with kids. Great coffee and cake always available along with lots of interesting lunch choices.” – Sara Venn, Incredible Edible

MARKETS, SHOPS AND TAKEAWAYS

Ashton Fruit Shop
269 North Street, BS3 1JN

Open Mon-Tues 8am-5pm; Weds 8am-1pm; Thurs-Sat 8am-5pm.

“North Street has changed beyond imagination since I was growing up there but one of the big constants has been this greengrocers. As a child I used to go in and ask if they had any old greens for my guinea pigs. I don’t have guinea pigs anymore (much to our four-year-old’s disappointment) but they have pretty much everything else you could need. Hello, four different varieties of cabbage! They get some of their produce from our veg supplier, Total Produce, which is all good in our book; and even buy quinces from my dad when the tree in the back garden has had a bumper year.” – Tessa Lidstone, Box-E

Baked
123 Oxford Street, BS3 4RH

Open Tues 9am-5pm; Weds 9am-7pm; Thurs-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat 8am-midday.

“We’re blessed in Bristol with having so many good artisan bakers, you can get amazing bread all over the city (Mark’s Bread, Hart’s Bakery, Pinkman’s). However, my favourite loaf is from Baked in Totterdown. Hurrying home with a still warm, white sourdough, hacking a slice off and eating it slathered with butter is an absolute frigging pleasure.” – Dan Vaux-Nobes, food blogger

“Tiny bakery, great bread & amazing brownies. I’m lucky to live within walking distance. Dangerous.” – John Drysdale, Small Street Espresso and Little Victories

The Banana Boat
117 Oxford Street, BS3 4RL

Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-6pm; Sat 7.30am-5pm.

“This place is a Bristol institution; it’s sat in the same spot in Totterdown for the past 25 years. For those of you who aren’t aware, The Banana Boat is a greengrocer, but it’s so much more than that. They have fresh bread, herbs, spices, free range eggs, duck eggs, goose eggs and loads more. It’s fresh, it’s local and it’s cheap.” – Josh Eggleton, Pony & Trap

China Capital
24 Ashton Road, BS3 2EA

Open Mon-Fri 5pm-11.30pm (last online order at 11pm).

“This takeaway is on the edge of Greville Smyth Park, apparently, although I’ve never actually been. I have, however, been ordering home delivery from them for about 15 years. A huge pan-Asian menu that would usually ring alarm bells (can they really offer all that choice and do it well?? Yes. Yes they can). Amazing value for money. Their ‘Thai Style stir fry with cashew nuts and tofu’ is my regular order and the udon noodles are mega too. All the ingredients they use are spot on; big chunks of perfectly cooked veg, fat prawns, perfectly crisped chunks of tofu, etc. They know what they’re doing, these guys. Highly recommended.” – Elly Curshen, The Pear Café

Degusta
35 Whitehouse Street, BS3 4AY

Open Mon-Fri 7am-3pm; Sat 9am-1pm.

“Salva is a gentleman and the kids love standing in his giant walk-in fridge stocked floor to ceiling with oranges and avocados and all sorts.” – Claire Thomson, food writer

Gaines Greengrocer
172 Wells Road, BS4 2AL

Open Mon 9am-6pm; Tues-Thurs 9am-6.30pm; Fri-Sat 9am-6pm.

“This greengrocers has developed over the last year and now sells a huge range of local and ethical foods and drinks.” – Ingrid Bates, Dunleavy Vineyards

“A cornucopia of enticing ingredients. Every visit reveals new treasures!” – Zara Narracott, Zara’s Chocolates

“A pillar of the Totterdown community, serving a massive range of fantastic local produce as well as deli food, beer and bread.”- Tom Hovey, Great British Bake Off artist 

The Park
Daventry Road, BS4 1DQ

Open Mon-Fri 7am-10pm; Sat-Sun 9am-2pm.

“In their foyer they stock beautiful preserves from the Square Food Foundation, and eggs and vegetables from both Andy’s Haven and Let’s Grow, two community projects in Knowle West.” –Sara Venn, Incredible Edible

Rare Butchers
250 North Street, BS3 1JD

Open Mon 8am-1pm; Tues 8am-5pm; Weds 8am-1pm; Thurs-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 8am-4pm.

“Chris and his team source ethically and locally where possible – for example, their Ashton Court Estate venison – and are such a friendly bunch.” – Kieran Waite, Bravas

Southville Deli
262 North Street, BS3 1JA

Open Mon-Fri 8am-6.30pm; Sat 8am-6pm; Sun 10am-5pm.

“So much to love, from breads pastries and cakes, to their vegetarian and vegan products, to their local cheeses, olives and cold meats, plus sandwiches, lunches and a range of teas and coffees. So good that their second store opened in Redfield in 2013.” – Martin Booth, Bristol24/7

N.B: For the purposes of the EatDrink24/7 guide, Bristol has been divided into four geographical areas: Central, South, North-West and North-East. South is everything South of the river.

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