Are you even from Bristol if you’ve never #outsidefini-ed?
THE WARDROBE
Over in Old Market, Bristol’s most laidback and fringey theatre was sorted from the word go, having always been a part of the Old Market Assembly concept: bar, restaurant and music venue, with the little theatre out back. The vibe may be relaxed, unpretentious and boho, but they’re dead serious about the award-winning food, with a seasonal and sustainable flexitarian dinner menu showcasing local supplier produce with creative, flavourful dishes.
ROYAL WEST OF ENGLAND ACADEMY
If anything, a great café at a gallery is even more important than at a theatre – all those calories burned off by walking around while knowingly stroking your chin need to be replenished, and pronto. The café at RWA is called Epiphany, and it deserves to be more widely known. Founded by Bristol barista Alex Zeal and baker Bethen Reid, it serves brunches, ‘stuff on sourdough’ and salads, soup and sandwiches to sustain you on your culture-filled day; the smoky beans on toasted Hobbs House sourdough with rosemary butter come recommended. We particularly enjoyed learning the Proustian nugget that Bethen’s madeleines are inspired by memories and recipes passed down by her French grandmother.
WE THE CURIOUS
We’re big fans of the industrial style WTC café, not least for the brilliant floor-to-ceiling illustrations by Bristol-based illustrator/ inventor Alan Snow. Obviously sustainable food and drink is high on the agenda, and the café has won awards for its initiatives, including the Soil Association Food for Life Gold Catering Mark. The gift shop’s great too – but that’s another feature . . .
ARNOLFINI
The Arnolfini champions contemporary art while contemplating current affairs and pushing the boundaries of different mediums of expression – all of which needs a lot of good coffee, food and beer. Luckily, they’ve partnered with Bristol Beer Factory to supply the café-bar with famously picturesque views of the waterfront. Along with a few fish and meat dishes the menu’s largely veggie and vegan, with special dishes for children. The bar’s open until late, and drinking al fresco on a balmy evening while dangling your legs over the harbour walls is such a sacred part of the Bristol summer that it has its own instagram hashtag – #outsidefini.
M SHED
Not content with having some of Bristol’s best small restaurants as its next-door neighbours, Bristol’s ‘museum about Bristol people’ has its own M Café on the ground floor, with a range of fresh, Fairtrade and organic hot and cold food and drinks, including a selection of homemade cakes, sarnies and specials. It’s recently added a new bar serving a specially brewed ale by Mad Dog, best enjoyed when they open up the glass walls, allowing you to loll about on the outdoor seating in Museum Square. The current Aardman Early Man exhibition is an ideal excuse to visit.
SPIKE ISLAND
The much-loved waterside arts hub is almost as well known for its spacious and attractive café as it is for its contemporary art exhibitions. The seasonal menu draws on organic and locally sourced ingredients to make everything from proper brekkies to lunch bowls, pasta and toasties, though nobody will bat an eyelid if you make a mug of great coffee and home-baked brownie last half the morning as you tippetty-tap away on your laptop.
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 51