Must-Try Brunch Spots In Bristol, England
Bristol is famous for its music, art and culture, but the city also has a colourful food scene to match. From Farmer’s markets to harbour-side cafes and American diners, these are ten of our favourite brunch places in Bristol.
St Werburghs City Farm Café
A farm is perhaps not what you where expecting to see in the heart of Bristol, but the City Farm Café does not disappoint when it comes to brunch options. Over the last 34 years the farm has developed into a cafe and restaurant, as well as serving the community by offering work experience and volunteering opportunities for people from deprived backgrounds. St Werburghs award-winning cafe provides a delicious wholesome brunch that is organic and fair-trade, including eggs, meat, vegetables and salad from St Werburghs City Farm.
St Werburghs City Farm Café, Watercress Road, Bristol, UK, +44 117 9428 241
The Canteen
Fancy a brunch with a twist? Nestled in Hamilton House is The Canteen, a room that provides freshly roasted coffee, wholesome cereals, stewed fruit and even American-style pancakes. The menu is constantly changing with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options on offer. After brunch, some of the finest local musicians perform a free concert right there in The Canteen, seven days a week; the venue even has its own Canteen gallery, so guests can muse at the latest art and photography while they eat. Recipients of three gold stars from the Sustainable Restaurants Association, their ‘Slow Food philosophy and passion for quality local produce’ make it a great spot for brunch.
The Canteen, Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, UK, +44 117 923 2017
Mud Dock
Everything about Mud Dock cafe says brunch. From the bacon baguette, to the two freshly baked croissants, or even a Bloody Mary and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice – this charming venue has acquired a whole new level of brunch expertise. Perched above a bike shop, it takes influence from Spain and its love of markets to inspire an original and exceptional brunch menu, prepared by chefs of different nationalities. Guests can either relax in the rustic Spanish-themed cafe or nip downstairs and wander through the bike shop.
Mud Dock, 40 The Grove, Bristol, UK, +44 117 934 9734
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Watershed Café Bar
Watershed Café Bar offers an updated, and much more cultured, version of sitting down to eat in front of the TV – or, in this case, a cinema screen. The venue, opened in June 1982, is a cross-artform venue producing, sharing and showcasing exemplary cultural ideas and talent. Watershed’s cultural programme of films, events and festivals means there is always something going on to break the boundaries of imagination for any avid cinema-goer and brunch-eater. There are three cinemas and an excellent cafe-bar serving up brunch from the field, the sea or the farm.
Watershed, 1 Canon’s Road, Harbourside, Bristol, UK, +44 117 927 5101
Lockside
One of the ways to truly enjoy brunch in Bristol is to have it outside on the waterfront around Lockside, one of the most beautiful and vibrant areas of Bristol (also famous for being Sid’s Cafe in the English sitcom Only Fools and Horses). Watch the boat trips cruise past or visit the SS Great Britain and the Matthew, but most importantly have some brunch at this charming cafe. With great views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Lockside provides hearty full English brunches as well as an impressive selection of sandwiches and cakes, such as the ultimate British homemade tiffins. Enjoy a relaxed and friendly atmosphere at what they like to call their ‘polished greasy spoon.’
Lockside, No.1 Brunel Lock Road, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, UK, +44 117 9255 800
Whiteladies Road Farmers Market
Memories of Hugh Grant strolling through Notting Hill Market will come flooding back when you visit Whiteladies Road Farmers Market for brunch. Started in June 2006, this little market wants to raise awareness for local people to buy locally produced food and provide a sales outlet for local farmers and food producers. With local food from Leigh Court Farm, Cotswold Edge, Old Sodbury Lamb, and Gales Farm, this is a market that will definitely provide products for an excellent brunch. Choose from fresh strawberry pancakes, pulled pork baps or mint and lamb baguettes; then stroll around the numerous stalls in search of the perfect bouquet of flowers.
Held at the junction between Whiteladies Road and Apsley Road
Rocotillos
Saunter into Rocotillos at the weekend and relax in one of the little American booths. The brunches are huge and well priced, in keeping with the American feel. Tuck into the Ten Gallon Tex’s serious fry up (a gigantic steak) and follow it up with a Ben & Jerry’s cookie dough or Phish Food milkshake.
Rocotillos, 1 Queen’s Road, Bristol, UK, +44 117 929 7207
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Hotel du Vin & Bistro
Take the nation’s favourite Sunday lunches, add a little French flair and you have ‘Le Brunch’ at Hotel du Vin & Bistro. With an exciting choice of fresh seafood, crustaceans, charcuterie, pâtés, rillettes and a selection of salads and vegetables, Hotel du Vin is definitely a must try for the seasoned brunch lover. A portion of carefully crafted, exquisite French food, accompanied by a live jazz session, is definitely a good pick for that weekend-starting brunch.
Hotel du Vin & Bistro, The Sugar House, Narrow Lewins Mead, Bristol, UK, 0844 736 4252
Primrose Café
Primrose Café offers brunch for the more suave and sophisticated out there with bubble and squeak, poached eggs, bagels, eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, and of course the full English followed by a selection of delightful pastries and croissants. Tucked away in the bustling Clifton Village, the Primrose Café is the perfect suntrap offering outdoor seating and beautiful gardens for a sunny Sunday. They even provide blankets and rugs in case you want to lounge on the grass.
Primrose Café, 1, Clifton Arcade, Boyces Avenue, Clifton, Bristol, UK, +44 117 946 65
Tart Café
Located on the renowned Gloucester Road, Tart Café loves a good-old fashioned tart or cake for their brunch. Freshly baked carrot cake, or scone with jam and Somerset clotted cream are just a few of their options. Tart Café also recommends its legendary chicken pasties or home-made sausages rolls for starters with a cup of loose leaf tea selected specially by Miles Tea in Somerset. But despite what the name suggests, Tart Café isn’t all about the tarts. There’s an excellent breakfast for both sweet and savoury fans: wholesome muesli, fry-up, Welsh rarebit, pancakes or even boiled eggs and soldier. Pop in and lounge in the art deco armchairs while reading the newspapers in their cosy snug this weekend.
Tart Cafe, 16 The Promenade, Gloucester Road, Bristol, UK, +44 117 924 7628