Eat, drink and be merry

For some, Christmas is a time of spirituality and reflection, while for others it’s a period of catching up with loved ones and having a well-earned break. If there’s one thing that unites us all over the festive period, however, it’s food. No Christmas is complete without a sumptuous spread of everyone’s favourite yuletide treats, from the all-important turkey to the fiery figgy pud.

As the city’s cuisine scene reaches ever higher heights of quality and creativity, so do the options for local and specialist shopping continue to expand. If you’re looking to avoid the mass-produced and the mundane this December, take a trip to some of these Bristol foodie havens to pick up some quality Christmas essentials that are sure to impress.

FOR FRESH VEG:
Bristol Veg Boxes
Deliveries to the entire Bristol area, www.bristolvegboxes.co.uk
Take at least one weight off your mind by ordering all the vegetables you’ll need for the Christmas feast in bulk. All locally sourced and organic, Bristol Veg Boxes deliver customised hampers straight to your door with any type of vegetable your heart desires, from standard roasties to Red Kuri squash.

FOR MAGNIFICENT MINCE PIES:
East Bristol Bakery
112 St Mark’s Road Easton BS5 6JD, www.eastbristolbakery.co.uk
Winner of Best Local Cakes at the 2015 Bristol Good Food Awards, the Easton bakery has certainly earned it’s stripes as the sweet treat dons of the city. Pick up some freshly-baked mince pies over the festive period that are so good you’ll probably want to pass them off as your own.

FOR A TOP TURKEY:
Better Food Company
21 Sevier Street/94 Whiteladies Road, www.betterfood.co.uk
Offering the best-priced organic turkeys in the city every year, Better Food Company have a solid reputation for quality and reliability. All turkeys come from Lowerstock farm, just 12 miles outside of Bristol, and can be collected right up until December 23. Place your order early however, as these birds are in serious demand.

FOR GREAT CHOCOLATE:
Zara’s Chocolates
228 North Street Southville BS3 IJD, www.zaraschocolates.co.uk
Handmade artisanal chocolates, truffles and bars that are guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth, Zara’s wide range of flavoured treats can be ordered online or picked up from their North Street store. Indulge in a Christmas chocolate hamper if you feel like sharing.

FOR A CHRISTMAS TIPPLE:
Weber and Tring’s
17 Christmas Steps BS1 5BS, www.weberandtrings.co.uk
Offering fine liqueurs, rare French wines and tailored cocktail kits, Weber and Tring’s are the go-to experts on all things boozy in Bristol. An extensive collection of spirits from around the world will ensure you walk away with something extra special for the festive period that’ll no doubt make it one to remember – or perhaps forget.

FOR PROPER CIDER:
Bristol Cider Shop
7 Christmas Steps BS1 5BS, www.bristolcidershop.co.uk
Everything on sale at this specialist cider and perry shop is made within 50 miles and handpicked by experts. Choose from more than 100 varieties or grab a festive hamper and try out some local favourites. Join in on one of their cider tastings if you feel the need to make a more informed decision.

FOR FINE WINE:
Grape & Grind
101 Gloucester Road BS7 8AT, www.grapeandgrind.co.uk
Expect first class, expert advice and more variety than you can shake a cork at in this independent wine shop on Gloucester Road. You can order online or head to the store to claim your 5 per cent case discount, but we’d recommend having a chat with one of the knowledgable staff before you make your choice – unless you already know what whites and reds go best with turkey, of course.

FOR CRACKING CRANBERRY SAUCE:
Bishopston Supper Club
Available at Windmill Hill City Farm, Grape & Grind and Joe’s Bakery on Gloucester Road, www.bishopstonsupperclub.com
Danielle Coombs, the professional chef behind Bristol’s best-known supper club, is also a pro at making tasty preserves, which are all homemade using seasonal produce. Get your jams, compotes and that all-important cranberry sauce from shops around Bristol to finish your meal with a festive flourish. You can also sample some of her creations at BSC’s New Year’s Eve on December 31. 

FOR CHRIMBO CHEESE:
The Bristol Cheesemonger
Pop-up shop at 43 St Nicholas Street BS1 1TP Dec 15-24, www.facebook.com/bristolcheese
Rosie Morgan, aka The Bristol Cheesemonger, is selling her wares for a limited time only at a festive pop-up shop. Get your Brie, Cheddar and Stinking Bishop from the woman who knows it best – and there’s even Moor wine on tap too.

FOR A PERFECT CHRISTMAS PUD:
Farrington’s Farm Shop
Main Street Farrington Gurney BS39 6UB, www.farringtons.co.uk
The bakers at Farrington Farm churn out up to 70 delectable cakes and puddings a day, all lovingly handmade and full of locally-sourced goodness. Grab a classic Christmas pud, boozy trifle, fruit cake or tiramisu to impress your darling relatives – or at least keep them quiet for a few minutes. 

FOR LAST MINUTE SUPPLIES:
Gloucester Services Farmshop
M5 between junction 12 and 11a GL4 0DN, www.gloucesterservices.com
About as far as you could possibly get from the crowded, concrete fast-food courts of most motorway service stations, Gloucester services are known across the South West for the impressive range of local and seasonal produce sold in their roadside farmshop. Grab freshly baked treats, prime cuts of meat, local chocolates and ciders and special one-off gifts that are more ‘lovingly-selected months ago’ and less ‘picked up last minute at the petrol station’ – your secret’s safe with us.

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