As spring makes way for summer, thoughts inevitably turn to getting outside to make the most of the sunshine. Bristol is blessed with a wealth of great alfresco dining spots, offering a variety of cuisines and a choice of views. We asked Emily from Bristol Bites for a run-down of her favourites.
The Lido – Dating back to 1849, Clifton’s open-air swimming pool is packed full of history. And it’s not just about the swimming either! The poolside bar serves an amazing tapas selection, while upstairs it’s more formal. Be sure to try their legendary homemade ice cream, and check out their swim and eat packages, which will ensure that you build up an appetite before your meal…
Riverstation – With a smarter restaurant upstairs and a more informal bar & kitchen on the ground floor, Riverstation on The Grove is packed at the height of summer. There’s no denying that its terrace offers one of the best views in Bristol, located on the edge of the river and allowing diners to watch the world go by. On both floors you’ll be able to enjoy a regularly changing selection of modern European dishes – it’s the ideal place for a date night or to impress family and friends.
The White Lion Bar – The food at Clifton’s White Lion Bar, part of the Avon Gorge Hotel, is very much pub grub: the brunch menu is followed at lunchtime by light bites, sandwiches, pies and pizzas, all at very reasonable prices. I think it’s fair to say, though, that it’s the venue with perhaps the best known (and possibly largest) terrace in the South West, with a truly enviable location. Overlooking the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, it’s a perennial favourite amongst locals and tourists alike.
Spoke & Stringer – There’s nothing better than a stroll around Bristol’s harbourside on a sunny day… especially when it’s accompanied by great food! Bike and surf shop-cum-café Spoke & Stringer is a perfect stopping point, either for a lazy brunch (the thyme scrambled eggs are fantastic) or evening pintxos with a well-deserved drink. Sit outside on the terrace and watch the world go by on the river – it’s far too easy to while away the hours in such a great location.
Piccolino – Located in the Cabot Circus shopping centre in central Bristol, Piccolino is known for its fresh Italian flavours. Dishes are prepared from scratch in an open plan kitchen in full view of diners, and there’s something to suit all tastes: cured meats and cheeses, fish, steaks, and of course the obligatory pizza and pasta options. In sunny weather, it’s the perfect place to escape after a hard day’s shopping with its beautiful outdoor terrace and bar in the midst of the hustle and bustle.
Visit OpenTable to find and book more great restaurants in Bristol.
