When you think of authentic British food, what are the first things that come to mind? We think of quintessential English dishes like afternoon tea, fish & chips or a delicious home-cooked Sunday roast dinner with all of the trimmings.
If you’re visiting, you’ll be wondering where to get the best British food Bristol and lucky for you there are many excellent traditional Bristol eateries dotted across the city for that real homegrown taste. Here is our pick of authentic restaurants in Bristol:
Source Cafe
The only way to start your day in Bristol is with one of the sturdiest Full English Breakfasts. There are many variations, but most fry-ups include bacon, sausage, black pudding, toast, tomato, fried potatoes and don’t forget the baked beans! One of the best spots for an authentic breakfast in Bristol is Source Cafe, an all-day cafe serving modern British and European food in a covered market hall setting. Their ingredients are locally sourced and as fresh as you could hope for, down to the garnish. The menu for lunch & dinner changes seasonally but an English fry-up is a staple.
The Ivy Clifton Brasserie
For some, afternoon tea is the epitome of English dining. With bite-sized sandwiches & savouries, accompanied by delicious mini-sweets and scones washed down with the finest British tea or homemade lemonade, we can’t think of anything better! For the best afternoon tea in one of the best restaurants in Bristol, visit The Ivy Clifton Brasserie. The sophisticated and relaxed dining atmosphere in The Ivy is complemented by the chic, stylish décor & well-dressed wait staff. You can even add on a glass of champagne to make it an extra special affair. It’s a bit of a walk from our serviced apartments in Bristol but well worth it.
Catch22 Restaurant
For many, Fish & Chips is the quintessential British dish. It can be enjoyed al fresco by the sea, in most traditional restaurants or a spruced-up version is often available in fine dining establishments, but our favourite is the no-frill versions found in local chip shops. You’ll find some of the countries finest fish & chips in the award-winning Catch22 restaurant, where you can either sit-in or take your meal away to enjoy in your personal suite. They have options for veggies, vegans & most restricted diets and best of all the fish is locally caught and sustainably fished.
1766- Bar & Kitchen
Traditionally enjoyed as a family meal on a Sunday (hence the name), a Sunday Dinner is a staple of the British diet. As part of a Sunday roast, you’ll find a joint of meat roasted all-day so it’s supple and tender, potatoes – roast or mashed, or both! – veg of your choosing, a Yorkshire pud and lashings of delicious gravy. When you head to 1766- Bar & Kitchen for your roast dinner, you’ll get a choice of three types of meats & all of the above. They only use top quality, locally-sourced ingredients to make their delicious dinners and it shows!
The Stable
Doesn’t matter if you like a veggie pie, a meat pie, or something a little more unusual, Bristol has something you’ll love. For a quick, quality pie on the go that won’t break the bank, pop into one of the many Pieminister shops, a chain famous for its delicious creations across the UK. For something a bit more authentic, head into The Stable. Better known for its great pizzas they also have five excellent pies on offer, each served with herb-roasted potatoes, pickled onion and tomato chutney. Try the ‘Get My Goat’ pie to surprise your taste buds with something out of the ordinary.
Author Bio: Sarah Corcoran is a full-time travel blogger, which means writing adventures, travel spots, and accommodation reviews is her bread and butter. She currently writes for PREMIER SUITES Bristol Cabot, one of the most opulent serviced apartments in the city.
