What's on offer in the Bristol Taste Tent?

Bristol has always been a national centre for exquisite food and drink and has recently gained further recognition as a leading UK culinary destination, meaning it now often considered as one of the best outside of the capital. At Eat Drink Bristol Fashion, we’re giving you a little taste of some of the flavours that make up the city’s distinct palate and are a part of this zeitgeist. In the Bristol Taste Tent, famed Bristol eateries will be showcasing the very best of their menus, serving up taster dishes for just £5.

Here’s who’ll be taking part across the weekend and what you can expect from them…

Saturday 2nd May 2020

Bristol Lido

Whether offering hearty cooking and classic dishes or hints of the Moorish and Mediterranean, Bristol Lido have both become iconic venues in the city, winning awards for their food made of tip-top ingredients from hand-picked suppliers.

A stuffed pepper dish from Bristol Lido’s lunch menu

littlefrench

A fully independent, family-owned restaurant, littlefrench offers unpretentious French food. The daily changing menu cooked by renowned chef Freddy Bird showcases produce-led dishes using ingredients sourced from the best local suppliers.

Roast queen scallops, sauternes butter, chives from littlefrench

The Pony & Trap

This quintessential pub in Chew Magna is owned by Eat Drink Bristol Fashion co-founder Josh Eggleton and serves up dishes that blends the modern with a nostalgic approach to British classics.

Pigeon breast, bresoala, puy lentils, blackcurrant and walnut from The Pony & Trap

The Pump House

Sophisticated and seasonal, The Pump House’s food is predominantly British, combining classic dishes with modern cooking techniques. Everything is prepared on-site - from bread to ice cream - and they strive to utilise the very best diverse West Country ingredients. This passion is led by acclaimed executive chef and owner Toby Gritten.

Gnocci with summer peas from The Pump House

Root

A modern, veg-led, small plate restaurant sitting on the banks of Bristol’s historic harbour, Rob Howell and Meg Oakley have put Root firmly on the food map for its inventive and seasonal sharing dishes. Championing local suppliers and producers, it has won plaudits from the public and critics in equal measure.

A selection of veg-led small plates from Root

Woky Ko

Casual Asian diner Woky Ko - the brainchild of former MasterChef finalist Larkin Cen - features modern twists on familiar Asian dishes, using responsibly sourced ingredients and no added MSG. Everything is cooked fresh to order featuring Larkin's unique and exciting flavour combinations.

Potsticker dumplings from Woky Ko

Sunday 3rd May 2020

Adelina Yard

With a playful and ambitious take on European cuisine, Adelina Yard sits at the forefront of fine dining in Bristol. Headed by duo Jamie Randal and Olivia Barry, it puts experience, expertise and comfortable charm at the forefront of their fresh, seasonal dishes.

Monkfish, alexanders, wild garlic, iberico tomato and fumet from Adelina Yard

Bravas

The bustling Cotham Hill haunt Bravas is a Bristol institution serving authentic, fresh and high-quality tapas inspired by the backstreet bars of Andalucía.

Fried aubergine with molasses from Bravas

Bulrush

Bulrush is a Michelin Star restaurant in Cotham, Bristol owned by Chef George Livesey. He trained at the Academy of the Culinary Arts, where Albert Roux was his sponsoring chef.  At Bulrush, he serves an innovative and seasonal modern British selection made up of two tasting menus.

Cured venison, caribou moss, walnut ketchup and smoked venison heart from Bulrush

Paco Tapas

With jamón ready to carve, padrón peppers roasting over the wood fire and sherry straight from the barrel, Paco Tapas’ ever-changing menu combines traditional tapas with personal interpretations from Michelin-starred chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, whilst staying true to the vibrant and comforting flavours of his heritage.

Quail stuffed with sobrasada from Paco Tapas

Seven Lucky Gods

The latest opening from the Hyde & Co group, Seven Lucky Gods, nestled in Bristol’s buzzing Wapping Wharf development, exploded onto the scene with a Japanese Izakaya style menu of sushi and small plates, cocktails and an edgy, modern vibe.

Sushi, sashimi and raw dishes from Seven Lucky Gods

Tare

Tare is a 22-cover restaurant with a set six-course menu that changes seasonally, lovingly crafted from only the best local produce by head chef Matt Hampshire and his small team.

A sample of Tare’s fresh taster menu

The only place to have a bite from all these acclaimed local restaurants at once is at Eat Drink Bristol Fashion’s Bristol Taste Tent. Access to the tent is included in your ticket and dishes will be priced at £5 each - happy eating!

Best roasts in Bristol

Sunday roasts are a long-established tradition in Britain. Whether you cook up a storm in your own kitchen or you make a day out of it at a warm winter pub, it’s a weekly event made up of catch-ups and get-togethers with your loved ones over a steaming hot plate of comfort food. The subject of best roasts in Bristol is certainly a contentious one but only because our gastronomic city is a mecca of ravenous roasts to get stuck into. Here’s our pick of the bunch - but feel free to let us know if we’ve missed out a roast worthy of recommendation.

The Bank Tavern, Broadmead

Credit to Charlie Harding

Having achieved cult status with their low-cost, generously portioned Sunday servings that have been described as “faultless”, “astounding” and “majestic” by their loyal fans. This legendary roast was named Bristol’s Best Sunday Lunch at the Bristol Good Food Awards in 2018, Observe le Food monthly awards in 2019 and have been applauded for their locally sourced ingredients and vegetarian options that are just as mouth-watering as the meat cuts. But don’t think about booking a roast here this Sunday, or any in the near future as a matter of fact: there aren’t any free tables for the next 16 months - yep, it’s fully booked until June 2021.

Book now

Yurt Lush, Temple Meads

In true Bristol fashion, the roasts at Yurt Lush live up to the eatery’s name. Another previous winner of the city’s greatest Sunday lunch, the roasts are all lovingly prepared a week in advance using only the freshest local ingredients. Quality components like sirloin, ox cheek and pork belly are a mainstay but add-ons like the cheesy cauliflower and leek gratin are a must-have if you’re looking to indulge. This one is for the foodie bucket lists.

Book now

The Lock Up, Redfield

The options at this trendy haunt are plentiful, which is why it has become a firm favourite among Bristolians. And what’s even better is that all these choices exceed expectations: beef, pork, nut roasts and rarer meal centrepieces like lamb and hake. Piled high with a huge Yorkshire pudding and vegetables that don’t scrimp, make sure to grab a bowl of the divine cauliflower cheese. Buddy up with two for £10 on Bloody Marys and Bucks Fizz all-day on Sundays, leaving no excuse but to make it a celebration.

Book now

The Love Inn, Stokes Croft

Did you know this popular bar also serves some of the best roasts in the land? Truly a hidden gem of the Sunday scene, they’re spooned out on the 7th day of the week by pop-up kitchen Tubby’s Corner. There’s two veggie options on offer as well as beef, chicken and pork belly, all of which are joined on the plate by - deep breath - swede mash, carrots, lemon greens, red cabbage, plantain, stuffing, tatties and puds. Supersize your meal with the to-die-for big pigs in blankets.

Book now

Green Man, Kingsdown

Gravy boats at the ready for your Sunday suppers in this cosy pub just off St. Michael’s Hill. Housed in a characterful Grade II listed building, the roasts are renowned for their value, which is why securing a spot proves to be difficult. From deep-fried croquettes to crispy parsnips to brussel sprouts with bacon, the sides are known to be tremendous and the staff accommodating to veggies and vegans. We can promise this lives up to the hype.

Book now

The Lion, Cliftonwood

Gastropubs don’t come any more charming than The Lion. Bright and airy by day and illuminated by fairy lights at night, you’ll find classically brilliant roasts just off Hotwells Road. Purists beware, though: only the beef comes with roasties by standard; the lentil roast, pork, lamb and chicken are all accompanied by luxurious dauphinoise potatoes, but we believe this is a welcome treat. Celiacs need not be shy here either as all their roasts have a gluten-free option available on request.

Book now

Have we missed out your favourite roast in Bristol? Be sure to shout about your top picks and let us know where we should venture next.

5 Bristol foodie gems you MUST try – Josh Eggleton

1. EMMELINE (116a Cheltenham Rd / 133 Cumberland Rd)

“Go and see Shona at Emmeline in Stokes Croft or in her new cafe at Spike Island for amazing toasties, great coffee, big healthy salads and a chat.”

The popular Cheltenham Road café, that doubles up as a florist, Emmeline has been open since 2016 and is highly regarded in the area, known for their indulgent toasties and health kick juices, the café has something for everyone.

Emmeline have recently opened their second café at Spike Island.

2. THE BANANA BOAT (117 Oxford St, Totterdown)

“My local greengrocer is the The Banana Boat in Totterdown. The guy who runs it is Italian and he also sells amazing olive oil and the odd bit of Italian charcuterie sometimes.”

The banana boat is open 7.30am – 6pm Mon – Fri and 7.30am – 4pm Saturdays, offering a wide selection of fresh fruit and veg.

3. THE BRISTOL CHEESEMONGER (Unit 8 CARGO 2, Museum Street)

“Simply put, the Bristol Cheesemonger is fantastic. In a shipping container at CARGO in Wapping Wharf, it’s all British cheeses. I’d recommend the Cornish Gouda and Cornish blue.”

The Bristol Cheesemonger specialises in quality, local and in season cheeses, with a small team of cheesemongers available in store to give you advice on their carefully curated range of cheese.

4. MATINA (Market Gate, St. Nicholas Market, BS1 1JQ)

“If you’re headed to Matina in St Nicholas Market for lunch then get there early or miss the queues for a late lunch. They do marinated lamb, chicken, halloumi, baked breads, naans and wraps to order in a clay oven.”

One of the longest standing traders currently in the market, you’ll be far from disappointed by Matina. Reasonably priced (roughly £4 - £7 per head) and highly regarded as a local secret by the people of Bristol – don’t say we didn’t warn you about the queues though!

5.  PACO TAPAS ( Lower Guinea St, 3a The General, BS1 6TJ)

“Paco Tapas at The General is the tapas restaurant by chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias. I like to go there as much as possible even if it’s just for a glass of proper dry sherry and a little bit of jamón. I recommend the Chef’s Menu - it’s a great exploration of their dishes.”

With colourful and tasty dishes that stay true to the Spanish cuisine, Paco’s is not only known for it’s amazing food but for its attention to detail and creating the perfect customer experience. Sit up at the counter allowing you to watch the chefs at work whilst you dine.

The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes with Josh Eggleton launches on Channel 4

The first episode of The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes comes to Channel 4 on Wednesday 12th June at 9pm, the first of four 60-minute episodes.

The restaurant was open to the public for several weeks in November and December 2018, taking over what is usually The Station Kitchen on Silver Street, with chefs and front of house staff all living with dementia.

Our very own Josh Eggleton was overseeing operations, with special guest diners including Rachel Riley, Hugh Bonneville and David Baddiel.

We have seen a few clips and it promises to be heartfelt, thought provoking and uplifting. Tune in and see for yourself.

Cider paired feast at Yurt Lush kickstarts the summer

Kick start the summer with a wonderful feast of seasonal food wondeful cider…

Friday 7th June - 5 Course Cider Makers Feast

A 5 course feast from Oscar Davis with 10 paired fine ciders from Bristol Cider Salon.

Tickets available at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cider-feast-tickets-59395070254

YURT LUSH BLOODY MARY MENU

Yurt Lush is delighted to present it’s brand spanking new bloody menu! Sorting you out whenever you might need a boost…

Prairie oyster - £2.5

Worcester sauce, tomato juice, tobasco, egg yolk

Virgin mary - £3.5   

Tomato juice, Worcester sauce, lime, tobasco

Bloody mary - £7.5

House infused scotch bonnet vodka, Worcester sauce, TOBASCO, tomato juice

Bloody Margaret - £7.5

Gin, Worcester sauce, tobasco, lime, tomato juice

Bloody maria - £7.5

Tequila, cayenne pepper, Worcester sauce, lime, tomato juice

Blood-free vegan - £7.5

House infused scotch bonnet vodka, RELISH, tomato juice 

Bloody irish - £8.5

Ban poitin, beef stock, horseradish, tobasco, lime, tomato juice

Bloody Mexican - £8.5

Mezcal, chipotle sauce, jalapeno brine, tobasco, lime, tomato juice

Root launches Guest Chef Series for 2019

Guest Chefs from some of Britain’s best restaurants will be joining the team at Root for some collaboration nights offering amazing 6 course set menus for guests.

February 5th - Scott Smith (Fhior)

March 19th - Luke French (Joro)

April 30th - John Chantarasak (Anglothai)

Events are sold at £55 per head and can be booked by calling 01179 300260