Bristol: a city guide
A couple of weekends ago, Oliver and I headed to Bristol. The primary reason for our visit was to check out a new hotel opening in town, which provided the perfect excuse for us to spend a couple of days exploring the city. It had been a while since I last visited Bristol, and as one of the country's most renowned locations for art vultures and foodies, there was more than enough to keep us occupied. Read below for my favourite places to sleep, eat, and visit.
To stay:
The latest opening by the Artist Residence brand is a stunning, converted Georgian townhouse in central Bristol, easily the city’s hippest hangout. Featuring shabby-chic interiors in signature Artist Residence style, quirky pieces of up-cycled furniture and eclectic artwork in every corner, each room here is individually designed and features a tasteful clash of colour and texture - from rattan headboards to freestanding tubs and minibars stocked with artisan treats. Expect bedrooms of all sizes (accessible for any budget, whether you’re looking to splurge or save): we stayed in the stunning Artist Suite, and had more than enough space to sprawl out, and enjoyed mornings soaking in the apple-green bathtub, with views onto leafy Portland Square. Downstairs, you’ll find a cosy lounge area perfect for coffee during the day, which turns into a cocktail bar come evening - and in the afternoons, hotel guests can expect tea and homemade cake on the house. A larger bar and restaurant area is set to open in early 2022.
This was a gifted stay, but all opinions are my own. I do not accept and write about gifted stays unless I truly enjoy them.
To eat:
A casual wine bar and restaurant, Marmo serves up a small (but tasty!) menu of British-Mediterranean small plates, inspired by seasonal ingredients. The space features industrial-style ceilings, funky graphics on the walls, and bottles of wine linings the room - expect a laidback atmosphere, and friendly service. Homemade pastas, creamy burrata, and a very special quince crumble were among our favourite dishes.
Every Bristolian will likely recommend a visit to Pinkmans - and for good reason too. Head over to try their famed doughnuts (flavours change daily, but expect something along the lines of honeycomb caramel or apple and cinnamon), alongside a range of other baked goods, sandwiches, and coffee. Their spot on Park Street is buzzy every day of the week, but do make sure to squeeze in a visit if just for the dougnuts.
Probably our favourite meal while we were in Bristol, Sonny Stores is a neighbourhood restaurant serving hearty, Italian-influenced food. Expect honest, tasty dishes (perfect for meat lovers and vegetarians alike), and decadent puddings on offer here. Star of the show are their homemade flatbreads and pizzas - topped with lashings of chilli oil, oozing mozzarella, and daily-changing toppings. They’ve also launched a takeaway pizza service in case you’re unable to snag a table (it’s a popular spot, so book in advance!)
A local favourite, Hart’s Bakery is snugly tucked away under an arch near Temple Meads station. The discreet location does little to shy away hoards of Birstolians, whom you’ll find queueing for fresh loaves of bread and coffee every day. There’s more than just bread here though - expect an endless (and tantalising!) array of freshly baked goods: pastries, cakes, sausage rolls and more. On weekdays, you’ll find a few lunch specials on the menu as well.
Also: Tradewind Espresso and The Crafty Egg for brunch, and Spicer and Cole for coffee and sandwiches.
To visit:
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Probably the most recognisable landmark in Bristol, the Clifton Suspension Bridge spans the River Avon and offers one of the best views in the city - and a rather photogenic spot to snap a couple of photos from a high viewpoint.
Wapping Wharf
One of the most interesting up-and-coming neighbourhoods in Bristol is Wapping Wharf, a buzzy location by Bristol’s harbourside where you’ll find a myriad of restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques to browse. Also home to Cargo, a Boxpark-esque installation full of pop-ups, and independent food stalls.
One of my favourite independent shops in Bristol, Papersmiths is a charming stationery boutique, where you’ll find beautifully designed notebooks, pens, and all manner of paraphernalia to peruse.
Clifton Village
Clifton is undoubtedly one of the prettiest parts of Bristol - you’ll find beautiful, original Georgian townhouses lining the streets and crescents in this pocket of the city. The leafy streets here are very walkable (although be prepared for the hills!) and Clifton Village is well worth a wander to peek into the boutique shops and cafes.
Bristol Old Vic
One of the oldest working theatres in England, Bristol Old Vic also has a reputation for being one of the most prestigious theatre schools in the country (alumni include Olivia Colman, Jeremy Irons, and Daniel Day-Lewis to name a few). Catching a show here would no doubt be a rather special experience, and sure to entertain.
Have you ever been to Bristol? I’d love to know what your favourite places are in the city!
