BRISTOL FASHION

Following a reimagining of the lobby, The River Lounge and The River Grille and the creation of a brand new cocktail bar, Rick’s, The Bristol is looking far more than simply shipshape

Anyone who has ever straightened tie, smoothed hair or checked teeth for lipstick just before a meeting knows that first impressions count – and it’s a fact certified in numbers. According to the experts, businesses have about seven seconds to make a good impression, whereas with people we’re a little more generous, gifting an actual human up to 30 seconds to be memorable for the right reasons.

So, entrances make a difference. The lobby at The Bristol has always walked that fine line between being lofty yet welcoming, spacious yet cosy. And in its newest incarnation, inspired by the look and feel of a 1930s Art Deco Ocean liner (a nod to the city’s eight or so centuries of heritage as a global port, as well as one of our favourite decades in design) we think the new space feels really rather fabulous.

Lit by the diffused illumination of an impossibly handsome vintage Murano chandelier (sourced in London, like a delightful rescue puppy, it was originally commissioned for a project that changed direction, leaving it brand new but in search of a forever home) a sweeping flight of marble stairs with chrome balustrade and mirrored walls draw the eye upward, while the luxe comfort of deep upholstery in soft leather and mohair, and dark wood furniture in The Jessop Lounge invite one to linger.

The upholstery in both The Jessop and The River Lounge is a story in itself. Our previous chairs and couches were beautifully crafted to last, but needed refreshing, so we took them to the experts (the lovely Julie in our case) at family-run Bristol Upholstery and they worked their magic reupholstering in a symphony of blush pink and mauves.

Above Soft light from the vintage Murano chandelier illuminates the lofty lobby while stairs lead up to The Jessop Lounge. Right The art of reupholstery alongside, well, actual fine art. bristolupholstery.co.uk

Like a Parisian brasserie by the shimmering Seine, the light-filled, Manila palm-lined conservatory, The River Grille brings destination dining to Bristol’s harbourside

For The Bristol, location has always been a big draw - there are few better in the city than right beside the water in this once busy dock now buzzing with arts, culture and night life, as working warehouses have been converted for anybody who wants to experience a multicultural city at its best. In The River Grille, opening right onto the water, diners enjoy floor to ceiling windows that don’t just overlook the waters, but also line the roof, giving endless sight of sun, sky and, by night, moon and stars.

The space is bright and light in the day and warm and atmospheric at night, perfect for diners enjoying the delicious modern European cuisine including fine steaks from the Josper Grill, legendary Sunday roasts and delicious Afternoon Teas. Wooden floors are softened with cushioned dark rattan chairs, giving a country club feel, completed with custom wood lamps hanging high in the ceiling.

On the mezzanine above, The River Lounge overlooks The River Grille, and is flooded in soft light. It features a grand piano and, with its timber-edged monochrome checkerboard carpet, reupholstered seating, butter-soft leather barstools and gorgeous blush rose quartz bar, it is a really cosy, comfortable space. It’s buzzy but chilled and atmospheric, the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or a bottle of wine with a sharing board of West Country cheeses.

Following the refurbishment of The River Grill and The River Lounge, a brand-new bar, Rick’s, is opening in the space next door. Rick’s is a must-visit new addition to the Bristol bar scene, so watch this space as we’re working towards an opening date in early spring.

Above The soft light and luxe comfort of The River Lounge, perfect for a bite and a drink.

Right Lofty and flooded with natural light, The River Grille has a slightly holiday feel whatever the weather.