Bristol Staycation - Food, Drink & Travel Guide
Bristol Staycation Guide
Last year really was a year of staycations, and it opened my eyes to how much there is to see and explore in the British Isles. So I packed up my bags and headed on another staycation to a city I’d heard so much about, but had never had the chance to visit - Bristol!
I visited Bristol for 4 days, and here are my recommendations on where to stay, where to eat and what to see in the city full of surprises!
Where to Stay
Rooftop Retro Rocket Caravan
Brooks Guesthouse isn’t just a normal guesthouse, as they have a special treat on their rooftop. The guesthouse includes three Retro Rockets that you can stay in. They have been British built, capturing the glamour of the timeless vintage aluminium design with all the luxury of a modern hotel room.
All the rockets have a double bed, bathroom, TV, and all other amenities. They also have a range of standard rooms, an indoor lounge space, and a breakfast that is supposed to be spectacular!
The Bristol Hotel
The Bristol is a luxury hotel surrounded by the best of Bristol's Old City. It’s central location means that you are just a few minutes walk from the buzzing Harbourside, museums such as the Watershed Arts Centre, as well as many cafés and bars nearby.
We stayed in a superior room on the upper floors, which offered a spectacular view of Bristol city centre. It was a delight to see the sun shine over the city, as well as watch it set in the distance.
The staff are attentive and efficient, which probably comes from The Bristol functioning as a popular Business hotel too. There is a 24-hour reception, room service and fitness centre too.
Where to Eat
Klosterhaus - Bristol
Klosterhaus is a destination restaurant and bar specialising in German classic dishes, delivered to a luxurious standard. When you enter the restaurant, the statement bar will instantly take your breath away and entice you in for a cocktail or two.
We dined from the a la carte menu and enjoyed a range of fantastic dishes, including, Käsekrainer, made with Smoked and grilled cheese pork sausage, Sauerkraut, truffled potato purée, crispy onions. As well as Chicken Schnitzel served with braised red cabbage, sweet potato fries and a delicious red wine jus.
The restaurant is located in an iconic grade 1 listed Quakers Friars building and has a range of seating options, including the bar, outdoor terrace and mezzanine, which offers spectacular views over the bar and restaurant.
KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar
Located in the ever-trendy Clifton Village in Bristol, KIBOU Japanese Kitchen and Bar serves a fantastic selection of fusion Japanese cuisine.
The first thing that will strike you is the enticing interiors, reminiscent of the eclectic streets of Japan. The hand painted murals visually depict Japanese street life, whilst the furnishings add a touch of glamour.
Signature dishes on the menu which I loved included Volcano sushi rolls, katsu curry, pillowy bao buns, and handmade sizzling hot gyozas. My dessert, Japanese Garden, was spectacular and arrived as a chocolate ganache topped with sesame mousse and finished with chocolate soil.
To complement the restaurant menu, their bar serves innovative cocktails as well as Japanese whisky and sake.
Swoon
Swoon is one of the most popular modern gelato shops in Bristol. It offers a rotating selection of gourmet flavours, including pistachio, red velvet, and my favourite, pecan pie. They also have a range of cakes, desserts and coffees to complement your gelato too.
Open till 10am, this is a great place for a post-dinner treat!
Street Food in Bristol
The street food scene in Bristol is brimming with delights, and I was lucky enough to give a few of them a try. My favourites include Pigsty and their fantastic Jolly Hog hot dogs. Woky Ho was ideal for ramen, yakitori and delicious bao buns. I also had lunch at Seven Lucky Gods, which is inspired by the Izakaya bars of Tokyo and serves asian inspired small and sharing dishes.
These are all located at Cargo, in Bristol’s Habourside, Whapping Wharf.
What to See & Do
Bristol Cathedral
Bristol’s historic Cathedral is located on College Green in the West End of the city. A church has stood on the site for over a thousand years, and the history can be felt as soon as you enter the magnificent space. There are a few different areas to explore in the Cathedral, and we loved listening to the choir practising their hymns, which echoes and reverted through the halls.
Bristol Cathedral is free to visit and is open to the public 365 days a year.
Clifton Suspension Bridge
The world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge is a must-see in Bristol, and what a striking sight it is. Designed by the great Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the bridge is a feat of human engineering.
The best place to see the Clifton Suspension Bridge isn’t actually from the bridge itself, but from the Clifton Observatory. Climb up towards the observatory and turn around to view the bridge in all its glory. We visited in early evening and it was a sight to see the sun set over the bridge.
M Shed
The M Shed is where you go to learn about the history of Bristol as a city.
This transformed 1950s transit shed offers a thought-provoking and fun, journey through the city over the centuries. Interestingly, this museum has actually worked with the people of Bristol to present a view of the city which is inclusive and disruptive of norms at the same time.
There are also working exhibits on the harbourside including steamboats, trains and cranes.
The M Shed is free to the public though you may need to book your time slot in advance online.
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery showcases a variety of fascinating cultures, civilisations and creativity over 19 galleries over 3 floors. There are thousands of amazing objects on display, from classical art to ancient rock. With thousands of amazing objects on display, one visit just isn't enough!
Entrance to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is free to the public but you may need to book your time slot online.
Spike Island
Spike Island is where you’ll find the contemporary arts in Bristol. There is a year-round programme of exhibitions, events and activities in the gallery spaces and artists’ studios, both from new and established artists.
Check out the events at Spike Island.
Clifton Village Bristol
Clifton Village is the classy and cool part of Bristol which is a must visit on any trip to the city. Combine a trip to Clifton Village with viewing the Clifton Suspension Bridge, then head out in the Village for drinks, dinner and shopping. There’s plenty of option and lots of explore!
Learn more about Clifton Village Bristol.
Independent Coffee Shops
As an avid coffee drinker, I loved that Bristol was filled with a ton of independent coffee shops, located on almost every street corner. Embrace the coffee culture and support the local business by stopping for relaxing latte, or picking up a flat white to accompany you on your walk through the city.
Where the Wall Tour
Of course one thing which is synonymous with Bristol, it’s Banksy, and the city if peppered with his original work, if you know where to find it. Sign up to a self-guided Banksy Tour on ‘Where the Wall’ and take the discovery the artistic treats at your own pace.
These are my recommendation for your trip to Bristol - let me know what you’d add to the list in the comments below!
Her Favourite Food & Travel x
