M A I N S
BEST CAFÉ
EAT YOUR GREENS
One of the best of the recent crop of vegetarian and vegan cafés is Eat Your Greens, chef-proprietor Babs Greaves’ gaff on Wells Road offering, she says, “inclusive plant-based eating in a homely and relaxing space, with friendly service and locally sourced ingredients.” The great team here are exceptionally close, and Babs is especially chuffed, she says, that they’ve managed to source so much from local growers, such as Redcatch Community Garden and Barley Wood Walled Garden. “It’s paramount to me to support other small businesses,” she says, “and feeling part of the community of Totterdown is great. Plus, it’s so affirming to see that the Crumbs judges value the things we’re passionate about – and it’s always wonderful to feel you’re making food that people really like!” They’ve great plans for next year too – “I’m going to crack gluten-free vegan Yorkshire puddings, for sure” – but most of all they’ll keep on keeping on with their simple but enticing recipe: solid ethics and values, lovely staff and tasty food. What did the judges say? “Eat Your Greens succeeds in making plant-based food accessible to everyone. Passionate staff, seamless service and outstanding quality produce, locally sourced: great!" facebook.com/eatyourgreensbristol
BEST RETAILER
FIELD AND FLOWER
Again, from the top: Meg and Frankie of Duchess with their customary glasses of wine; team spirit at Eat Your Greens; and the founders of Field and Flower (sadly, only the field was available for photos...)
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When James Mansfield and James Flower founded Field and Flower, they wanted to help up the quality of British meat and fish. “We support indie British farmers and fishermen,” they say, “and we want customers to know where their food has come from, who farms it, the life our animals have led and how our meat is butchered. Every cut and catch is 100 per cent traceable from field and sea to fridge.” Over the past year their online presence has grown hugely, they’ve launched a new sustainable, seasonal fish range and a seven-day delivery service, and they’ve reduced the plastic packaging in their meat boxes; plus, alongside their Crumbs award, The Telegraph has named them Best Meat Box, calling theirs ‘a cut above the rest’. Next year they’ll be expanding their product range yet again, with new soups, stocks, sous-vide and sauces, and launching a new loyalty scheme. “Overall,” they say, “we hope to continue to grow in a sustainable way, bringing on new small farms and independent producers from across the South West.” What did the judges say? “Field and Flower delivers high-quality produce and sustainable fish to customers’ doors, straight from Somerset. A fast-growing, reliable business.” fieldandflower.co.uk
BEST FOODIE PUB
THE GALLIMAUFRY
Much loved Gloucester Road indie restaurant, bar, live music venue and arts space The Gallimaufry – ‘The Galli’ to its friends, and there are many of them – is a genuine institution, giving a platform to all sorts of local outfits: food producers, drink makers, artists and musicians. The menu is evenly split between vegetarian and meat and fish options, prices are reasonable, and the quality is high – and this last is true of The Galli’s arty side too. Indeed, co-owner James Koch has just launched a record label, Astral Tusk, specifically to support the city’s emerging modern jazz scene. It might not
PHOTO S BY NICCI PE E T AND FIE LD AND FLOW E R
agency that works exclusively with independent Bristol food and drink businesses. Their last year has been a huge one, the team doubling in size to help them promote such exciting new openings as Seven Lucky Gods, Masa and Mezcal and Black Rock. “We’re totally obsessed with the Bristol food and drink scene,” they say. “There’s nowhere like this city for passion, creativity and amazing community spirit when it comes to food, and we’re so, so proud to be a part of it. That’s why winning a Crumbs Award means so much – to be recognised for our support of the industry by the people driving it forward is massive.” What did the judges say? “Hard-working, trusted and a go-to marketer for many independent food businesses across five successful years. 2019 capped the biggest and best yet for Duchess Media.” duchessmedia.com