A PAULINE ABOUT TOWN
BRISTOL
Simon Bishop (1962-65) shares where to eat, drink, visit and view in his hometown Bristol remains one of the most popular destinations for St Paul’s leavers, and for some the city’s attractions are enough for them to choose it as a permanent home. With London only an hour or so away by rail, and bordering Somerset to the south, the Bristol Channel and South Wales to the west, Gloucestershire to the north and Bath and Wiltshire to the east, Bristol combines a metropolitan life with access to unspoilt countryside nearby in which to explore and regenerate.
WHERE TO EAT
WHERE TO DRINK 3 60 Degree Café
The Lido Restaurant Set in a viewing gallery overlooking the 24-metre blue-tiled pool at Bristol’s regenerated Victorian lido in Clifton, this comfortable and magical space is one of the most exciting eateries in town – with the bonus of a spa, poolside bar and other treats on hand. The food ranges in influence from Spain to the Middle East. Why not book a swim and massage before supper? Souk Kitchen For the best Moroccan/Arabic inspired mezze-type dishes, try this unpretentious café/restaurant in buzzing North Street, Southville, across the road from the Tobacco Factory Theatre in the midst of some of Bristol’s best UpFest wall graffiti.
Chai Shai I was pleased to see that Time Out Bristol had featured this intimate Indian restaurant at the bottom of Jacob Wells Road. A menu of no more than twenty options always guarantees you delicious freshly cooked food in this easily overlooked place. 360 Degree Café and Rooftop Terrace – Clifton Observatory Best view in town at this sensationally renovated snuff mill situated just above the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Focaccia toasties and the best hot chocolate in town await you.
S ouk Kitchen
You cannot beat an ale by the water’s edge. Three pubs spring to mind, all offering hearty and delicious food: The Nova Scotia, originally a nineteenth century coaching inn, has fortunately avoided being themed or updated in any way since and enjoys a very down-to-earth atmosphere. The clientele is often bolstered by 21st century sea dogs; The Cottage Inn, set attractively just above the water’s edge and boasting the best evening light as the sun goes down, offers fresh fish dishes as their speciality with meat and veggie options; The Ostrich, an original dockside inn has a large riverside beer garden and cosy interiors over two floors. Outside, the Portside BBQ serves up Americana-inspired street food with a mix of suntrap seating areas, shady spots, and covered and heated all-weather teepees.
Quick bites: Farrows on the Wells Road is an exceptional award-winning chippy; The Brunel Buttery on Museum Street, Bristol docks is the place to go for doorstep sarnies and a cuppa while you enjoy the view across the water to the city centre; Nadine’s Caribbean Café has been gaining a good reputation on Stapleton Road, Easton. T he Ostrich
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ATRIUM
AUTUMN / WINTER 2021
