Cafes

Bristol

A CAPPELLA
184c Wells Rd, Totterdown, BS4 2AL
Tel: 0117 971 3377, web: www.acappellas.co.uk
Bijou little spot operating as cafe by day and cosy BYO pizzeria by night, with a community, family feel. Art depicts nearby scenes created by local artists as you enjoy homemade desserts, tempting tapas, all-day breakfasts, lunches and fine coffee. Traditionally prepared stonebaked pizzas arrive when the sun goes down. Very child-friendly, with toys for little ones. Free Wi-Fi; good disabled access. Alfresco dining area, booking essential at weekends. Open Mon-Thur 9am-10pm, Fri-Sat 9am-10.30pm, Sun 10am-10pm

AMOEBA
10 Kings Rd (off Boyces Ave), Clifton, BS8 4AB
Tel: 0117 946 6461, web: www.amoebaclifton.co.uk
Cocktail lessons being trialled as we go to press. Drink options are particularly strong here, with 38 beers, ciders and ales from across the world (including magnificent whisky barrel-aged Innis & Gunn) and the food’s fine, too, with breakfasts, daily soups and sandwiches like the ‘ultimate’ BLT, plus warm chorizo and tomato salad with wilted spinach and rocket served daytimes. Come the night, nibbles like chilli nachos, hummus and olives go well with the Loose Groove house DJs spinning soulful funk on Fri and Sat and open mic on Wed, all served up against a backdrop of rolling art exhibitions. Ideal for private parties, with a wicked rear garden. Wi-Fi. Open Sun-Thur 10am-12midnight, Fri-Sat 10am-1am

ARNOLFINI CAFE-BAR
16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA
Tel: 0117 917 2305, web: www.arnolfini.org.uk
Now being run under the auspices of Bordeaux Quay by Connie Coombes (formerly at BQ’s much-loved sister restaurant Quartier Vert), there’s an Italian influence to the food at this contemporary gallery/bookshop/cinema/performance/cafe-bar complex. Menus change regularly, to reflect what’s in season and locally available, and there’s a great selection of light bites and Rainforest Alliance coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Currently offering a credit-crunch lunch deal of two courses for a tenner (check website for updates). Open Mon-Sun 10am-11pm (Sun 10.30pm)

BARLEY WOOD WALLED GARDEN
Long Lane, Wrington, Somerset, BS40 5SA
Tel: 01934 863713, web: www.walledgarden.co.uk
There’s space for 78 covers, 24 of which are outside, to enjoy British food that’s locally sourced and organic where possible, taken amid beautiful surroundings offering a spectacular view. Dishes include quiche, beef casserole and pork & cider casserole. New chef to arrive by the time this guide is published. Cider barn, art studio, beehives and shop on site. Evening openings planned. Open Daily 9.30am-4.30pm

BEESES BAR & TEA GARDENS
Wyndham Crescent, BS4 4SX
Tel: 0117 977 7412, web: www.beeses.co.uk, www.myspace.com/beeses
Utterly beguiling setting, with the garden having seen extensive remodelling. On the food front, old favourites (burgers made by Taste, homemade chilli and curries, tapas, a wonderful cheeseboard) remain on the menu, but are to be joined by more specials and stronger salad options. There’s artisan craft and care taken in everything done here. For young Beesers, the phenomenal Captain Barnacle returns for another afternoon of sick, wee and pooh on 12 Aug. This place is perfect for families; an extraordinary nature reserve next door with ducks, swans, herons, etc, is surely Bristol’s best-kept secret. Open Till 27 Sept: Thur 4-11pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-11pm, Sun 10am-7pm. 27 July 27-end of school holidays: additional opening on Wed from 4pm. Also open bank hol Mons. Available for private booking at other times Food served Thur 4-9pm, Fri 12noon-9pm, Sat 12noon-9 pm, Sun 10am-6pm (breakfast 10–11.30am)

BETTER FOOD COMPANY CAFE
Proving House, Sevier St, St Werburghs, BS2 9QS
Tel: 0117 935 1725, web: www.betterfood.co.uk
Informative, enjoyable evenings here have included gatherings with an ‘eat well, spend less’ theme. Diners enjoy dishes from around the world, incorporating organic, local, fresh and seasonal ingredients in an eatery with a remit to reduce, reuse and recycle. Much of the wood used has come from Bristol Wood Recycling, lights have low-energy fittings to keep the carbon footprint low, while crockery and cutlery have come from charity shops. Menu changes daily and is 95% organic, based on items/produce sold in the Better Food Company shop at this all-encompassing operation. Food served is also available to take away. Open Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm Food served Till about an hour before closing (or till sold out). Brunch: Sun-Fri 9am-12noon, Sat 9am-3pm. Sun roasts

BIG BANANA JUICE BAR
Units 21-22, Glass Arcade, St Nicholas Market, BS1 1JQ
Tel: 0117 927 3274
These nutritionists have now been sorting us out with healthy drinking options for eight years now. An expanded menu shortly to arrive will see a dozen juices on offer, with Brazilian superfood acai providing another alternative to caffeine-based quaffing. An irresistible range of fresh homemade smoothies and organic ice-cream shakes. Throw your preconceptions away and try the Iron Booster (beetroot, watercress, apple, carrot) or Very Veg (carrot, cucumber, celery, parsley), which work wonders for your health and your taste-buds. Wheatgrass apple and lime combine to form a Green Bang. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm

BLUE JUICE
39 Cotham Hill, BS6 6JY
Tel: 0117 973 4800
Innovative and hugely successful - within its warm and often bustling atmosphere you’ll find a vast range of juices and smoothies, including their popular acai, a drink from the Amazon rainforest full of vitamins and minerals. The liquid refreshments on offer here are renowned: try the carrot, apple & ginger cocktail, or enduring favourite the five-a-day special juice (fruit or vegetable varieties) for busy city types who aren’t getting their daily nutrition. Almost all mains are vegetarian – try lentil & vegetable shepherd’s pie or cheese, leek & potato pie, plus salads for sunnier eating, all washed down with a fantastic banana soya shake. Beautiful heated deck with canopy for idling away those summer days. All food available to take away. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm(ish)

BORDEAUX QUAY BRASSERIE
V-Shed, Canons Way, BS1 5UH
Tel: 0117 943 1200, web: www.bordeaux-quay.co.uk
Smart and spacious brasserie with bar within the Bordeaux Quay temple to all things scrumptious and sustainable. Food is modern European, with the menu changing daily and with the seasons. Staple ingredients are sourced from organic suppliers, growers, producers and farms in the West Country and South West. Expect to find starters like grilled aubergine with buffalo mozzarella, pine nut & lemon dressing, and potted wild rabbit, parsley salad and grilled bread. Main courses feature the likes of sundried tomato, courgette & basil tart with sauté potatoes, chicken basquaise with mash and savoy cabbage, and smoked haddock & dill risotto with a poached egg. Typical puddings include apple crumble with Dorset cream, or rhubarb, blood orange & mascarpone fool with shortbread. Open Mon-Fri 8am-11pm, Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 9am-5pm Food served Mon-Sat 12noon-10.30pm, Sat-Sun 9-11am, Sun 12noon-4pm

BOSTON TEA PARTY
75 Park St, BS1 5PF
Tel: 0117 929 8601, web: www.bostonteaparty.co.uk
Praised by both The Guardian and The Times, and boasting a huge selection of juices, loose-leaf teas and Fairtrade coffee, they also offer excellent food, with herby portobello mushrooms one of the items amid new spring breakfast offerings. Menus change seasonally, with dishes like sweet potato curry, falafels, West Country burgers, lamb tagine and roast squash and feta salad. Reliably innovative sarnie and panini range; barbecues planned for summer. Seating on two floors, terraced garden. The kind people here aren’t averse to a little charity work, too. Open Mon-Sat 7am-8pm, Sun 9am-8pm

NEW
BRISTOL BREAK ‘N’ TAKE
30-32 Upper Mauldin St, BS2 8DJ
Tel: 0117 927 6565
Cut-above cafe and sandwich shop opposite Bristol Children’s Hospital, where award-winning chefs conjure up individually portioned meals, soups, pies and tarts to be enjoyed on site or taken away. There’s mash, mushy peas and gravy accompanying the Pieminister pies, jacket potatoes come with a range of fillings, and the deli counter’s offerings include what sounds like irresistible cured meat or local cheese platters for two. Salad counter, or try the bacon, sausage & fried egg bap on a menu also taking in baguettes, panini, homemade cakes, hot and cold drinks plus beer and wine choices. Keep abreast with what’s going on in the world via continuous news coverage or bring your laptop for the Wi-Fi. Children welcome. Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-8pm, Sat 7.30am-5pm

BRISTOL GUILD CAFE
68-70 Park St, BS1 5JY
Tel: 0117 929 1874
Long-established and much-loved, serving soups, salads, quiches (the leek & mushroom is a beauty), pastries, cakes, cookies, scones, flapjacks, tea, coffee and cold drinks. Shoppers, business types and Park Street traders enjoy a light and airy setting, with greenery inside in the terrace area and outside through the window. Open Mon-Fri 10am-4.30pm, Sat 10am-5pm

BRUNEL BUTTERY
Wapping Wharf, BS1 6DS
Tel: 0117 929 1696
Bacon butties, sausage sarnies, cakes, cold drinks, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and more. Eat on tables outdoors or take away. Open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-5pm

NEW
CAFE AT THE SOUTHVILLE CENTRE
Southville Centre, Beauley Rd, Southville, BS3 1QG
Tel: 0117 923 1039
Formerly the Oasis Cafe, this new incarnation sees a major refurb and expertise brought in by way of chefs whose CVs boast time at Bordeaux Quay and Bell’s Diner. We go to press around the time of its opening. Plans are to stage events as the culinary ante is significantly upped.

CAFE CEITURICA
277 North St, Southville, BS3 1JP
Tel: 0117 966 6880
The mood changes across the day at this friendly licensed brasserie. Morning finds locals chatting over some of the city’s best and most diverse breakfasts, there’s a buzz to lunchtime, and the afternoon sees those living large taking it easy, while the candlelit evening brings a transformation into Middle Easter/Moroccan restaurant. There’s some terrific Southville synergy here. They consider the Tobacco Factory to be their extended lounge and direct the evening’s early arrivals over for a snifter. Expect to find dishes like Persian fish curry, lamb khoresh, sirloin steak and the highly recommended panfried dorada over the course of a delicious year. Outside seating. Open Mon-Sat 9am-11.30pm, Sun 9am-10.30pm

CAFE DELIGHT
189 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8BG
Tel: 0117 944 1133, web: www.cafedelight.co.uk
A wide range of English and European food is made and served daily with love here, ensuring the eponymous bliss for an ever-growing and appreciative clientele. Over a dozen breakfasts are served till 3.30pm daily, while homemade lamb & mint burger, haddock with crispy crumb, assorted tapas plates and nut roast are among the favourite special dishes. Regular live music well worth catching. Available for private parties for up to 40. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-3.30pm

NEW
CAFE DU JOUR
72 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2QA
Tel: 0117 973 1563
Swish cafe serving up croque-monsieur, panini, ratatouille meatballs, Cajun chicken, Toulouse sausages, dressed crab with stilton and mozzarella. Sharing platters – including a hummus variety - let you nibble as you natter. Squashes and cherry tomatoes join other dishes offering lighter but just as tasty dining choices, with smoothies keeping the healthiness coming and coffees and teas bringing a caffeine hit. A smart, modern look comes via a grey, red and black colour scheme with stylish sofas further in, and window seats positioned perfectly. Open Mon-Fri 7am-6.30pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 8am-5pm

CAFE KINO
3 Ninetree Hill, Kingsdown, BS1 3SB
Tel: 0117 924 9200, web: www.cafe-kino.com
Art, creativity and community draw punters from far and wide. Food is organic, Fairtrade, locally sourced and animal-free except the cow’s milk which can go in drinks. Famous for its burger and homemade chips, and specials have included a flavoursome creamy leek & butterbean crumble. Weekend breakfasts in the pipeline. Background of eclectic sounds; around 25 artists exhibited across 87 pieces as we went to press. There’s synergy with the nearby Cube; the cafe sells its alternative to an omnipresent cola and speaks directly to the El Salvador co-operative from where it gets its coffee. An alcohol licence means you can enjoy a drink, including Bath Ales organic lager, with your grub. Diverse calendar features Stitch & Bitch evenings, music and story gatherings and some popular Scrabble action. Open Mon-Fri 11am-9.30pm, Sat-Sun 10am-9.30pm (last food orders 8.30pm)

CAFE ROUGE
85 Park St, BS1 5PJ Tel: 0117 929 2571
Cabot Circus, BS1 3BD Tel: 0117 954 4808, web: www.caferouge.co.uk
Friendly, authentic French cafe-bar/brasserie/restaurant serving high-quality food in convivial surroundings. See Restaurants, French.

NEW
CAFFE CLIFTON
The Clifton, St Paul’s Rd, Clifton, BS8 1LX
Tel: 0117 973 6882, web: www.cliftonhotels.com
Celebration of coffee and cake and a tribute to tea in one this swish spot located above the legend that is Racks. Formerly Clifton Hotel’s reception, what began as a humble smartening-up created a whole new entity wherein stylish surroundings and bespoke suppliers – Clifton Coffee Company, Bar Cake, Attic Tea - create a genuine sense of occasion without formality. Try the jasmine tea ball green tea, an elegant, jasmine-flavoured honey-coloured infusion. Light meals include fishcakes, ciabattas, burgers and risotto, with porridge, croissants and nibbles, too. When many are considering cutting back, this posh but fun place brings a little luxury at luxuriously little prices. Open Daily 8am-8pm

CAFFE EXCHANGE
Corn St, BS1 1JQ
Tel: 0117 922 4013
Tea, coffee and snacks. Open Mon-Sat 7.30am-4.30pm

NEW
CAFFE GUSTO
54 Prince St, BS1 4QH
Tel: 0117 908 4166, web: www.caffegusto.com
What was once Eat, was due to become Blue Pepper but didn’t, and was Cafe Chameleon last year, became Caffe Gusto around the time of this guide going to press. A refit was due to bring in comfy chairs and benches creating a relaxed mood in which to enjoy panini, jackets, gourmet sandwiches and deli fridge offerings. See Sandwich Shops for details of other branches. Open Mon-Sat 7.30am-6pm, Sun 9am-6pm

NEW
CHANDOS DELI
Quakers Friars, BS1 3DX
Tel: 0117 934 9611, web: www.chandosdeli.com
Sited within Cabot Circus, selling soups, tarts, pies and bruschetta plus three-cheese ploughman’s, charcuterie plates and seasonal treats, all of which can be savoured with a Bath Ales beer or glass of wine. Located within a light and airy shop, it sells all your Chandos Deli delights (except fresh fish, for which you need to get to Clifton Village). Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-8pm, Sun 11am-5pm

NEW
CHOPIN
217 Gloucester Rd, BS6 5QP
Tel: 0117 904 3573
With some excellent Beatles circa Magical Mystery Tour paintings on the wall, this cafe and takeaway serves up authentic Polish food as well as dishes from around the world. Modern decor and deep red and cream colours create a smart, stylish look. Good offerings are wonderfully diverse, ranging from starters like bread with lard, paluszki (baked sticks of potato) and herring in pepper-mustard sauce to mains like bigos stew and breaded pork chops. Soups include flaki (pork tripe with bread), with salads offering something less carnivorous. Fast-food choices include Polish sausage burger, hot dogs and burgers, with pizzas with pasta bringing an Italian touch. What’s already an extensive menu is set to expand, and everything can be enjoyed with Polish beers Zywiec, Tyskie, Zubr, Perla and Lech, with spirits also available. Open Daily 10am-11pm

COFFEE#1
33 Princess Victoria St, Clifton, BS8 4BU Tel: 0117 923 8021, web: www.coffee1.co.uk
Early birds and insomniacs will be delighted to hear of the 7.30am weekday opening at this cafe that’s popular with all ages. Excellent panini range includes chicken, pesto & mozzarella, and bacon, brie & wholegrain mustard. Focaccias and cakes, too. Slip into inviting leather seating and sip on a smoothie while you gaze over the independent art created by an ex-staffer. Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-6pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 9am-6pm
4 Canford Lane, Westbury on Trym, BS9 3DH Tel: 0117 959 1749, web: www.coffee1.co.uk
New tables and seating out front have arrived since last year. Serves similar offerings to the other two branches (see above). Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-6pm
157 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8BA Tel: 0117 942 9909, web: www.coffee1.co.uk
The friendly staff here aren’t averse to the odd spot of theming to mark dates like Christmas and Valentine’s Day, with beige and other light brown tones the order of the day when there’s nothing particular on the calendar. This chilled spot remains a popular hangout with a cross-section of locals. Big French windows, opened come summer, let the light in. Four tables out front and a garden out back await the sunshine. Grub as per Clifton site (see above).
Open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 9am-6pm

CREATE CAFE
CREATE Centre, Smeaton Rd, Cumberland Basin, BS1 6XN
Tel: 0117 903 1201
Creative menu at remarkably low prices. Bread and soup takes in flavours like butternut and crispy bacon for a mere £2.50, or how about two pieces of buttered toast and topping for £1 (and a free-range egg for another 50p)? Full English is £3, muesli or porridge £1.45. Lunch specials change weekly but value is always on the menu, with Somerset beef hotpot, Spanish chicken chorizo, and slow-roasted lamb with garlic, rosemary, redcurrants and red wine at £4.50. Vegetarian options include a tasty goat’s cheese & red onion tart with sunblush tomatoes and toasted pine nuts, or homemade falafel with tomato & apricot sauce. Freshly made sandwiches, jacket potatoes, quiche, fresh fruit, scrumptious puddings and a super food salad packing more power than kryptonite. The ace people here actively source Fairtrade, locally produced and organic produce, and everything can be traced to source. The centre houses an art gallery, with regular exhibitions and the demonstration Ecohome. Fab riverside views, too. Open Mon-Fri: breakfast 8.30–11am, lunch 12noon–2pm

DOCKYARD CAFE-BAR
Harbourside, Great Western Dockyard, near ss Great Britain, BS1 6TY
Tel: 0117 926 0680, web: www.ssgreatbritain.org
July sees the iconic ss Great Britain, launched in 1843, celebrate her birthday with an invitation to don your vintage best for a 1920s picnic. Other events in a packed calendar find the great Mr Brunel himself making regular appearances, with dads copping for a treat come Father’s Day. This waterside terrace cafe nestles alongside Brunel’s great steamship and offers a light, airy atmosphere for enjoying jacket potatoes, soups and cakes, knowing your hard-earned pennies will help to preserve Brunel’s lovely ship. The special plate menu changes daily and includes dishes like Brunel’s steak & ale pie, chicken & mushroom stroganoff, chilli, and vegetarian lasagne. Open Daily: winter 9.30am-4.30pm, summer 9.30am-5.30pm

DOWNS TEA ROOM
Stoke Rd, nr water tower, Durdham Down, BS9 1EL
Tel: 0117 923 8186
“Those with nippers in tow might be tempted to use this quirky spot as the starting place for all sorts of imaginary adventures,” wrote our chap, who visited on 2008’s insanely cold Good Friday. “Under summer’s sun this colonial hut beneath the cedars’ shade, overlooking vast grasslands, is the setting for a safari. In the icy Arctic blast of an early Easter, it’s base camp upon the frozen tundra - which must be made before nightfall lest the party resort to eating the huskies. It’s Narnia’s wardrobe, the phantom tollbooth and the shopkeeper’s changing room all rolled into one.” What was once a Victorian gents’ toilet has been a tearoom for around six years, serving breakfasts, salads, casseroles, fish & chips, chilli, baguettes, burgers and more, as well as a children’s menu including chicken strips and fish fingers. Extensive hot beverage selection includes Darjeeling, Ceylon, Assam and Earl Grey teas if you’re after reliving the time when the sun never set on Empire. The parking’s easy, the kids can run around. As the public can’t light barbecues on the Downs, these ace people may start doing them, with opening planned until 7.30pm in summer if demand requires. Available for catered private parties of up to 20 till midnight. Open Daily 8.30am-6pm

EXTRAORDINARY TRAVELLING THALI CAFE
64-66 St Marks Rd, Easton, BS5 3JH
Tel: 0117 951 4979, web: www.onestopthali.co.uk
Community cafe from the people behind Montpelier’s much-loved and hugely successful One Stop Thali. Breakfast menu includes wild sustainable smoked salmon & cream cheese bagels, organic scrambled eggs, and traditional Indian paratha bread with yogurt and pickle. Indian light lunch menu includes Goan fish curry and masala dosa stuffed pancakes. Fairtrade coffees, freshly made chai, homemade cakes, gourmet toasted sandwiches. Set meals of curry, dhal and rice at great-value prices. A strong commitment to seasonality, sustainability and local produce. Live music Sun. Cosy sofas and Wi-Fi. Tiffin service available. See Restaurants, Indian. Open Tue-Sun 10am-11.30pm, Mon 6-11.30pm

NEW
FALAFEL KING HUMOUSIA
6 Cotham Hill, BS6 6LF
Tel: 07855 337805
Brand new cafe and takeaway from the people who’ve long been providing the Falafel King city-centre pitta pit-stop that’s a must-visit after an evening on the sauce. Expect enhanced offerings of Middle Eastern dishes like falafels and Lebanese laffa. On two levels with large front window looking onto pavement outside; basement is set to evolve once this place gets fully into its stride. Also do event and festival catering. Open Daily 11am-10pm

FOLK HOUSE CAFE & BAR
40a Park St, BS1 5JG
Tel: 0117 908 5035, web: www.bristolfolkhouse.co.uk
Delicious, fresh and affordable food using organic, local and seasonal ingredients. All meat, dairy and fresh produce from The Better Food Co is certified organic; other produce is mostly organic and, where it isn’t, it comes from local trusted suppliers. The delicious soup is always gluten-free and vegetarian (and usually vegan). Veggie and meat tapas plates both start with a base of tortilla, marinated olives & homemade hummus, and individual tapas dishes are available separately. Carnivores and non-carnivores alike get their own dish of the day and burger - homemade beef & fresh herbs, lentil & cheddar, etc. Savoury tarts, a seasonal pie of the month, and a pizzetta of the day. Yummy homemade cakes are yours for £1.50 – well, it’d be rude not to. Very child friendly: organic baby food, highchair and booster seat, nappy-changing facilities in the girls’ loo. Check website for events or check the music board to the left at the entrance. Available for private hire. Free Wi-Fi. Open Mon 9am-11pm, Tue-Thur 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-3pm (reopening 8pm-12midnight when events are on). Opening hours change according to term, holidays and events Food served Mon-Thur till 8.30pm, Fri-Sat till 3pm

NEW
FORTY FIVE
45 Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, BS8 2LS
Tel: 0117 973 4870, web: www.fortyfiveclothing.com
Joint owners Dave and Mary Holt are both originally from Bristol - Dave was formerly manager of much-missed Belgian-beer-and-mussels emporium Belgo, while Mary’s CV includes time at the Soil Association. Enjoy Mediterranean panini from a range including local, free-range British chicken, a club tuna melt and a popular Italian salami, black olives and mozzarella variety. Drink organic, Fairtrade El Salvador coffee, or try a cup of Mr Scruff’s breakfast tea – a wrestler’s brew rather than a builder’s. Natty gifts, too.
Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm

FRIARY
9 Cotham Hill, BS6 6LD
Tel: 0117 973 3664
Cotham Hill stalwart since 1979, offering a timeless formula of good food in casual and friendly surroundings. All dishes (curries, chillies, casseroles, vegetarian options, delicious soup) are made on the premises, but the biggest hits are the classic breakfasts. Eclectic music mix draws a mixed but devoted clientele. Most dishes will set you back around a fiver, and children are welcome, with smaller portions available. Open Mon-Sat 9am-4.30pm, Sun 10am-3pm

NEW
GREEN BEAN
209 North St, Bedminster, BS3 1JH
Tel: 0117 939 4724
Combination of coffee shop and gift shop that comes with a big side-serving of conscientiousness and impeccable environmental credentials - bamboo flooring, eco paints, energy-efficient lights. In the kitchen are facilities for recycling cans, paper, glass and plastic bottles. Food – cakes (all vegan), panini, ciabattas and rolls – are largely organic, and there’s Fairtrade, too. Expect salads in summer. Coffee is Rainforest Alliance approved, and incorporates Sumatran, Ethiopian, Guatemalan and Papua New Guinean beans blended by fifth generation coffee proprietor Martin Carwardine. Natty gift range sees recycled materials put to innovative use while the walls are set to showcase some similarly innovative artwork. Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11.30am-4pm

NEW
HATTERS
97 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8AT
Tel: 0117 330 5740 / 07772 787419, web: www.hattersbristol.co.uk
Categorisation-defying cafe-bar/happening space run by 23 year-old Charity White, whose packed life story to date suggests that, if she put her mind to it, she’d be the first woman on the moon. At least. Food is ciabattas, homemade cheeseburgers, fish-finger sandwiches and French crepes, with sharing mezze for sociable evenings. Cakes include renowned chocolate brownies, cheesecakes and tartlets as well as the utterly unexpected: “I made a biscuit village,” said Charity. “It was elaborate.” Parties for children of all ages enjoy frequent parental referrals, while those for adults have been burlesque and anti-Christmas themed. Exemplarily kid-friendly, as evinced by Easter’s children’s activity week. Wed quiz with subjects like 1980s hair metal.
Open/Food served Mon-Fri 9.30am-11pm, Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 11am-5pm

HAVANA COFFEE
37a Cotham Hill, BS6 6JY
Tel: 0117 973 3020, web: www.havanacoffee.co.uk
A relaxed atmosphere, with an extensive selection of light bites and excellent range of Fairtrade coffees, traditional and herbal teas and juices. Menu incorporates global favourites like chicken enchiladas, salmon and sardine dishes, chilli, panini, jackets, burgers and skins. No fewer than 15 varieties of English breakfast (seven vegetarian), 30 kinds of tea, and food is organic wherever possible. Decor is South American-influenced, and the jazzy sounds lend a mellow, light mood. Open Daily 8am-6pm

HERMANOS
55 Queens Rd, Clifton, BS8 1QQ
Tel: 0117 929 4323
Ongoing redecorations at this contemporary Mediterranean cafe-bar run by a brother-and-sister partnership have seen the toilets spruced up since last year’s guide. Food is light yet full of flavour, with a wide variety of homemade soups offering a wicked broccoli & stilton variety alongside spicy chorizo & chickpea stew. Ciabattas offer something more substantial, or try tapas like duck & pork pate. Evenings, there’s a cocktail bar feel, but no food. DJs on weekends. Neat, heated courtyard out back. Open Mon-Sat 11am-1am, Sun 3-11pm. Food served Mon-Sat 12noon-3pm

JOHN’S YORK CAFE
46 Bond St, BS1 3LZ
Tel: 0117 929 0101, web: www.theyorkcafe.co.uk
Expect the likes of fish pie, Lancashire hotpot and bread & butter pudding as this cafe, which relocated from Clifton a few years back, continues to evolve. Weekend shoppers come for breakfast, students come from the nearby halls, and bus-station arrivals seek sustenance after their journey. Breakfasts remain a major draw, with Radio Bristol dropping in to mark National Breakfast Week. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat 7am-4pm, Sun 8am-4pm

KUVUKA
113 Stokes Croft, BS1 3RW
Tel: 0117 924 7180, web: www.kuvuka.com
An African feel throughout, with paintings and statuettes dotted about the café, and the likes of Fela Kuti and Ladysmith Black Mambazo on the stereo. Food takes in panini, salads, homemade cakes, snacks and the usual range of teas and coffees, including the atmospherically named London Fog – steamed milk, Earl Grey and a shot of vanilla. Sounds unlikely, tastes rather fine. The operation donates a percentage of its profits to African charities, including For-Ethiopia and Suubi Trust. Wi-Fi connection; basement available for functions. Open Mon-Fri 8am-6.30pm, Sat 10am-6.30pm, Sun 12noon-4pm

LA HABANA
3 Welsh Back, BS1 4SL
Tel: 0117 930 4034
Attractive eatery very handy for post-health-club refuelling. Much greenery amid the decor complements the extensive veggie eating options. More than 10 kinds of breakfasts, salads, panini, club burgers, chilli and enchiladas, served in a relaxed atmosphere. Waterside terrace. Open Mon-Wed 8am-5pm, Thur-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 9.30am-5pm

LA CASBAH CAFE-RESTAURANT
96 St Marks Rd, Easton, BS5 6JD
Tel: 0117 939 8804
A distinct North African feel at this BYO community cafe, with benches, chairs and tables the genuine articles, complementing the authentic pottery and all kinds of Moroccan music rocking this casbah. Specials change every couple of weeks. Inventive menu includes Moroccan tagines featuring lamb cooked with sweet prunes, cinnamon and mixed herbs, as well as couscous dishes and flavours from elsewhere, such as swordfish in Mediterranean sauce, with veggies enjoying admirable choices. The value is excellent, with the most expensive menu item – a beautiful, bountiful seafood feast - still giving you change from a tenner. You’ll also get change from a quid when buying some mint tea. Sweets and homemade cakes keep the non-savouries coming. Gallery/shop area can be hired for private parties. Open Mon-Thur 6-11pm, Fri-Sat 6pm-11.30pm

LA RUCA
89 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8AS
Tel: 0117 944 6810
A wonderful atmosphere at this much-loved gem – a cafe, shop and all-round community space. Patricia and husband Alfonso took over these premises in December 1997, since when it’s become central to the daily operation of the Gloucester Road. Shirley, also known as Jean Ruck, was one such friendly and familiar face, and when she died earlier this year, La Ruca was proud to stage a celebration of her life. The love in the air goes into the food. Vegetarians and vegans are admirably catered for with tortillas, chimichangas, splendid bean enchiladas and falafels packed with flavour. Carnivores get their choices too. Patricia conjures up her speciality Chilean corn pie, pastel de choclo, when she’s in the kitchen. There’s an (almost) resident poet, and groups hire the place for poetry, environmentalism and meditation. Open Mon 9am-8pm, Tue-Sat 9am-5.30pm

LOCKSIDE
1 Brunel Lock Rd, Cumberland Basin, BS1 6XS
Tel: 0117 925 5800, web: www.lockside.net
The building looks really cool - an Edward Hopper diner in the shadow of the CREATE Centre. Quality ingredients, fresh produce and excellent value characterise the cuisine here, from brilliant breakfasts to daytime deliciousness including scampi, sardine fillets, bangers & mash and the classic ham, egg & chips enhanced by maple syrup. Evenings bring dishes like lamb cutlets, sea bass and chicken Thai green curry. Try the grilled figs with roquefort & balsamic dressing starter and, for mains, the seared scallops, beautifully finished off with a plate of strawberries, pear slices and marshmallows with chocolate fondue, or bread & butter pudding. Available for private hire for all sorts of gatherings. Stunning views looking across the eponymous lock to Brunel’s bridge. Decking terrace at the front and rear is due to arrive by summer. Open Mon-Thur 7am-4pm, Fri 7am-11pm, Sat 8am-11pm, Sun 9am-4pm

MELANIE’S KITCHEN
2 Downend Rd, Downend, BS16 5UJ
Tel: 0117 957 2662, web: www.melanieskitchen.co.uk
Ace cafe within ace deli that’s well worth the journey if you’re not a Downender. Peter and the eponymous Melanie spent several years producing fabulous cakes and savoury items to sell at farmers’ markets and have since brought their experience and love of food to bear in style. Drop in for soup, platters, hummus dips, ploughman’s and toasted sandwiches, with full English breakfasts served Fri and Sat, and a limited brekkie menu on other days. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm (early closing Tue 1pm)

NEW
MEME CHOCOLAT
19 The Mall, Clifton, BS8 4JG
Tel: 0117 974 7000, web: www.memechocolat.co.uk
Since being taken over in June 2007 by ace husband-and-wife team Adam and Amanda Weekes, this stylish homage to all things choccy (formerly Bar Chocolat) has gone from strength to strength. Breakfasts and panini, and neutral colours and a pine floor creating a chilled ambience that’s perfect for displaying the fantastic chocolates on sale throughout the year. Friendly and efficient, and an alcohol licence means you can savour wine with your choccy, or even sit down with a taster plate of truffles and bottles of champagne. Summer sees the homemade ice-cream counter return, and Amanda’s lemon cheesecake is always in demand. New Portishead site, too (see Specialist Food Suppliers, Out of Town). Wi-Fi; film nights (with chocolate and dining) staged, with requests invited for future screenings. Open Mon-Sat 8.30am-6.30pm, Sun 10am-6.30pm

MRS BROWN’S CAFE
Nr Hill Rd, in Victoria Park, Bedminster, BS3
Tel: 07786 275011
Children futilely chasing pigeons, couples strolling romantically, joggers fancying a breather and everyone else appreciating this south Bristol park’s charm can refuel on site thanks to Mrs Brown’s Cafe. Expect to find bacon & egg baps, ground coffee, kids’ juices and more, with Fairtrade sourcing adding to the positive feel brought by the setting. Open Daily 10am-5pm

MUD DOCK
40 The Grove, BS1 4RB
Tel: 0117 934 9734, web: www.mud-dock.com
Inspired, industrial decor and gastro treats at this cool, hugely popular Bristol institution in a former dockside warehouse, with great views across the water from the sundeck. Superb breakfasts and popular weekend brunches. Great food with Spanish influences, including tapas. Jazz on Sun afternoon. Special menu for under-10s. See Restaurants, European & Mediterranean. Open Mon 10am-3pm, Tue-Thur 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 10am-5pm

NUMBER TEN
10 Zetland Rd, Redland, BS6 7AD
Tel: 0117 924 1301
Owner Kaz Marvali formerly ran Park Street’s Dionysos. Since last year’s guide, fish and vegetarian options have been enhanced - expect offerings like sea bass, scallops, salmon curry, mezze fish platters and Thai fishcakes, as well as vegetable samosas, burgers, falafel and dolmades (stuffed vine leaves with dips). The Persian lamb curry is the best this side of Esfahan. The wine served here can also be sold to take home. This place is all willowy houseplants, wicker furniture and MOR tunes piped around at conversation-friendly levels – a good place for long, spun-out lunch hours. Alfresco seating. Open Summer: daily 8.30am-10.30pm. Winter: Tue-Sun 11.30am-10.30pm

OCEAN CAFE
185 Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, BS8 2RY
Tel: 0117 946 9825, web: www.ocean-cafe.co.uk
Dinky churros (free with your takeaway Illy coffee), grilled sardines, saffron rice with strips of chicken, fried sweet peppers, Catalan-style roast courgettes, aubergines, red onions and tomatoes with thyme and cumin seeds, or a whole suckling pig – cooked for four hours - for a 15-strong party. Tapas served around the clock, with daily specials and a lunch menu of the day. The sea’s bounty is well represented, including squid, clams, sardines and oysters. Fully licensed. Open Tue-Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 12noon-6pm

PAPA COSTA DELI
67 Queens Rd, Clifton, BS8 1QL
Tel: 0117 929 1600
Enduringly popular cafe with onsite deli. Serves delicious daytime treats including panini, soup and savoury snacks, all with a European emphasis, taking on the flavours of Italy, Greece, Spain, France and Cyprus. Available to eat in or take away, and an impressive catering service, too. If you’re after Greek beers, you can get them here. Open Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 10am-4.30pm

PAPADELI
84 Alma Rd, Clifton, BS8 2DJ
Tel: 0117 973 6569, web: www.papadeli.co.uk
People here are passionate about the food they sell and its locally sourced, Fairtrade and organic credentials. Inspiration from the Mediterranean is always evident, with signature dish the Papadeli plate a feast of charcuterie and artisan cheeses. Chances are you’ve seen this stylish and friendly deli and cafe on TV, as it’s been used for a location in the BBC’s ‘Mistresses’. They even squeeze a couple of seats onto the pavement for alfresco refuellers. “They’re a bit wobbly!” says Daisy, but doubtless that just adds to their charm. Open Cafe: Mon-Sat 9.30am-4.30pm. Deli: Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm

PEAR CAFE
The Coach House, 2 Upper York St, BS2 8QN
Tel: 0117 942 8392
Opened in March 2006, since when this ultra-dinky spot has made a big name for itself for its delicious, homemade food. UKTV Food Hero nominations in 2007 and 2008 confirm you don’t have to be big to get noticed. Serves breakfast and lunch, plus drinks and snacks all day. The emphasis is on fantastic sandwiches and salads (made to order), soup and cakes (don’t leave without trying the butterscotch and plain chocolate brownies). Herberts Bakery bread is used, and there’s a wide variety of Fairtrade products including hot and cold drinks, Divine chocolate and bananas. Catering arm, too. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3.30pm Food served Breakfast till 10am, lunch 11.45am-2.45pm, snacks all day

PIEMINISTER
24 Stokes Croft, BS1 3PR Tel: 0117 942 9500
Glass Arcade, St Nicholas Market, BS1 1JQ Tel: 0117 302 0070, web: www.pieminister.co.uk
Now we are five! Pieminister made it halfway to double figures before Christmas with its offering of nine core and two speciality pie varieties as popular as ever. March saw British Pie Week celebrated nationally, and at Pieminister that meant every flavour they’ve ever done – 25 in all – served with mash and gravy for a fiver. They’ve now moved HQ to Brentry, with these handmade 275g bundles of joy still available at Stokes Croft, bijou offshoot at St Nicholas Market, numerous pubs across Bristol and Bath and at several outlets further afield. All food can be eaten on site or taken away. Sides include organic brownies and cakes, with sausage rolls recently added. Open Stokes Croft: Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm. St Nick’s Market: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm

PRIMROSE CAFE & BISTRO
Boyces Ave, Clifton Village, BS8 4AA
Tel: 0117 946 6577, email: primrosecafe@talk21.com
One of the great Bristolian breakfast institutions, this excellent spot functions as a sunny alfresco cafe during the day, and transforms into an intimate bistro at night. Daytime fare sees an emphasis on organic, local fresh produce, with salads, bagels, ciabattas and those breakfasts. Evening fodder is distinctly above the cafe average, with a modern European flavour. Expect dishes like red wine, radicchio & thyme risotto with parmesan crisp; ricotta & herb souffle with garlic cream and grilled courgettes; Cornish pollack, white beans & chorizo picante with parsley oil; and whole grilled plaice, Jerusalem artichokes and sauce vierge. Much of their produce and meat is organically grown or reared. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9.30am-3pm, Tue-Sat 7pm-1am

PURE PASTA, SOUP & SANDWICH
35-39 Glass Arcade, St Nicholas Market, BS1 1LJ
Tel: 07899 862403
Food with Forza is served up at this little slice of Italy in bustling St Nick’s Market. Savoury treats include tortellini with pesto, cream and white wine, lasagne (plus veggie option), pizza, soup and sandwiches, and there’s tiramisu among the sweetness. The pasta’s ready at noon, with coffee and cake to get you through the morning. Summer should herald the arrival of Italian salads. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm

RAINBOW CAFE
10 Waterloo St, Clifton, BS8 4BT  
Tel: 0117 973 8937
Boho cafe in the heart of Clifton Village which is one of the city’s scandalously few quality vegetarian eateries. Unlicensed, so BYO if you fancy. The cafe recently started opening on Sun, too. Menu varies constantly but can include such veggie and vegan delights as chestnut mushroom & thyme soup, or mixed leaf salad with apple, pear and walnut for starters, and fennel & orange risotto or vegan spinach, chickpea & cashew tagine with couscous for mains. Great homemade desserts. Open Mon-Sat 10am-
5.30pm, Sun 10am-5pm

RED
9 Clare St, BS1 1XH
Tel: 0117 925 5461
Sophisticated, chic, continental-style cafe/takeaway run by a bro-and-sis team serving jackets, panini, soup, pies and Italian ice-creams. Evening opening till 8pm in the pipeline. Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm

RIVERSIDE GARDEN CENTRE
Clift House Rd, Southville, BS3 1RX
Tel: 0117 966 7535, web: www.riversidegardencentre.com
Delightfully cheery spot and laidback suntrap, boasting a menu that’s completely vegetarian and aims to be as organic as possible. All produce is bought locally, and all dishes - down to the excellent chutneys - are made on the premises. Daily changing soups are a speciality, with flavours like celeriac & pear, broccoli & watercress, roasted pepper & tomato. The poached eggs are irresistible, and there are jacket spuds and salads, too. Hot meals change fortnightly and have included tagines, falafel and pad Thai. Fairtrade speciality coffees and tapas. Windows let you look out over the garden centre. Open Winter: Mon-Sat 9.30am-4.30pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Summer: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-4.30pm Food served Brunch till 11.45am, lunch from 12noon

ROYCE ROLLS WHOLEFOOD CAFE
Corn Exchange, St Nicholas Market, BS1 1JQ
Tel: 07967 211870
Lucie Lister took over this venerable veggie institution on New Year’s Eve 2007. She’s already catering for specific dietary requirements such as gluten-free and vegan. The Royce Rolls milometer will clock up 30 years in 2009 - possibly the longest-established vegetarian cafe in the country outside London (it moved to its present site in 1981). Seventeen different roll recipes and, according to Lucie, “millions of flapjacks” complement pasties and savouries. There’s soup and samosas and everything’s veggie (except the fish in a couple of the rolls). An astonishing herbal tea array on offer, alongside their own blend of coffee and tea. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-4.30/5pm

ST STEPHEN’S CAFE
St Stephen’s Lane, off St Stephen’s St, BS1
Tel: 0117 929 4984
New management has arrived to work in a refurbished kitchen to create food upping the Fairtrade and organic ante with greater emphasis on vegetarian choices. There’s a churchyard oasis next door, and you’ll find a sweet, intimate, slightly hushed atmosphere here, as befits its ecclesiastical past. Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-3pm, Sat opening in pipeline, open Sun in conjunction with services

ST WERBURGHS CITY FARM CAFE
St Werburghs City Farm, Watercress Rd, St Werburghs, BS2 9YJ
Tel: 0117 908 0798 / 07813 954933
As resolutely principled as it is fluffy and winsome. Presided over by the wonderful Leona Williamson, it bagged a Best Ethical Contribution award from the Observer Food Monthly. Two piglets being raised on the farm across the road – one named Porky, the other as yet unnamed – are set to star on the menu here when their time comes. Emphasis is on organic, Fairtrade, local and cyclical ingredients, with vegan, vegetarian and carnivorous offerings across salads, curries, tagines, cakes and more. Try sea beet & roast pumpkin tart with double gloucester followed by a triple chocolate brownie, hazelnut & praline truffle. Hugely child friendly, with regular cookery schools and ace garden on site. Happenings have included child-naming ceremonies and charity concerts. Plans afoot for monthly media nights. Food served Winter: daily 10am-4pm. Summer: 10am-5pm

SAVANA COFFEE
273 North St, Bedminster, BS3 1JN
Tel: 0117 966 0088
Dishes are of the Spanish, Mexican and Greek variety plus panini, pasta and pizzas. A focal point of the local community, with plentiful outside seating. Open Daily 9am-6pm

SPICE ROUTE
61 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8AD
Tel: 0117 904 0040
This bright, friendly cafe conjures up homemade quiches and soups daily, makes easy-on-the-wallet fresh panini and baguettes to order, and has baklava, flapjacks, croissant and cakes to tempt the sweet-toothed, all washed down by benchmark-setting coffee. Fresh fruit smoothies and exotic juices are mixed before your very eyes. Watch out for the gorgeous garden space arriving in summer. Takeaway, too. Open Mon-Fri from 8am, Sat from 9am

SPIKE ISLAND CAFE
133 Cumberland Rd, BS1 6UX
Tel: 0117 934 9077
Even if Rolf Harris is about your limit, the food still tastes glorious amid this centre of contemporary art and design. Coffee is Rainforest Alliance certified. The grub is wholesome and homemade and comes at prices affordable to even the most struggling of artists. Expect to find dishes like lasagne, tagines, goat’s cheese pie, fish & chips, curries and roast vegetables with couscous, with bottled ales, lagers and wines available if a sold painting gives you reason to fill and raise a glass. The cafe’s aesthetic flourishes work well: colourful handpainted chairs bring a nursery-like cheerfulness. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 11am-4pm. Private functions can be staged eves

TAKE FIVE CAFE
72 Stokes Croft, BS1 3QY
Tel: 0117 907 7502
Stokes Croft eatery that’s near-as-dammit worthy of institution status. The emphasis is on staging evening private parties and outside catering - oriental and Asian weddings a speciality - at this intimate dining spot. Remaining true to its multicultural roots, a friendly team of international and ethically motivated staff have influenced a menu boasting dishes from China, Malaysia, Thailand and India. Wi-Fi; 24-hour licence. Open Daily 11am-4pm

TANTRIC JAZZ CAFE-BAR
39-41 St Nicholas St, BS1 1TP
Tel: 0117 940 2304, web: www.tantric-jazz.co.uk
Fond memories of dear-departed Marlows are rekindled here, with the spirit of Nina singing ‘bout her baby, Waits getting wrecked on whisky and the alley cats from Tom & Jerry strumming double basses as Robert Johnson fears for his sold soul. Back in reality, ‘Hard Time Killing Floor Blues’ from the wonderful ‘Oh Brother!’ soundtrack summons the sound of the South. Irresistible tapas menu. Enjoy the likes of hummus, falafel, sweet potato dip, goat’s cheese, grilled chicken and calamari from an international menu boasting around 13 vegetarian and seven non-vegetarian dishes. Live music nightly (open mic on Tue, with drink offers), admission free except £3 Fri-Sat. Open/Food served Tue-Sat 6pm-3am (Sun-Mon open to private parties of 20+)

NEW
TART CAFE & FOOD STORE
16 The Promenade, Gloucester Rd, BS7 8AE
Tel: 0117 924 7628, web: www.lovelytart.com
Three components - cafe, shop and private dining/function room to this place, which opened to immediate success on Gloucester Road in autumn 2008. It’s very much a family affair - Jennie and Ellen are joined by Jennie’s 80-year-old mum (who still does the dishes and book-keeping), while Jennie’s husband Hedley grows vegetables at Ashley Down. Everything except the croissants is made fresh on the premises, with at least two different savoury tarts always on and much of the daytime menu available to take away. Enjoy breakfasts, charcuterie, mezze, sandwiches, salads and afternoon tea. The private room can be hired for business meetings with a touch of elegance or swish shindigs, while the shop side of operations sells tea, coffee, chocolate, juices and liquors. Later (6-6.30pm) opening planned for summer Open Tue-Sat 8.30am-5.30pm, Sun 10am-5.30pm

NEW
TASTE AT ST NICKS
1-3 Exchange Ave, St Nicholas Market, BS1 1JP
Tel: 0117 927 2998, web: www.taste.gb.com
A temple to pretty much all things food related. First meal of the day might be the best meal of the day, with porridge accompanied by Drambuie and the opportunity to choose your kippers from the fish counter and have the kitchen cook them for you. A terrific all-day menu is stuffed with the fruits of the sea, and there’s a fabulous selection of lunch dishes including grouse with black pudding or lamb sweetbreads with pancetta. Food served here can be taken away to reheat at home. A fully licensed bar serves Bath Ales beer and champagne, but you’re just as welcome to nip in for a bacon butty and a mug of tea. This place’s aim was to become somewhere “where the workman in his overalls can sit next to the guy in the business suit”. For ‘classless’, read ‘classy’. Open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm

TIFFINS
151 St Michael’s Hill, BS2 8DB
Tel: 0117 973 4834, web: www.tiffinsbristol.com
Wonderful husband-and-wife team Nick and Jay Jethwa cook with no frills and fuss, just excellent ingredients. Their Gujarati cuisine uses much less oil, and all dishes, freshly prepared each day, are cooked in sunflower oil only, using more nutritional spices than most Indian food. All the food here (seven regularly changing vegetarian and two permanent meat dishes; pizzas, too) is cooked and displayed cold in front of you, so it’s ready to be taken home and frozen, or heated at home that evening, or eaten here with a beer, wine or soft drink. This food comes at prices belying its quality. The walls of their inviting cafe are covered with stunning photography, seriously funky graffiti artwork and letters of thanks in recognition of their Nick and Jay’s selfless charity work. Outside catering, too. Open Mon-Sat 12noon-2.30pm & 4.30-9pm.

TOBACCO FACTORY CAFE-BAR
Raleigh Rd, Southville, BS3 1TF
Tel: 0117 902 0060, web: www.tobaccofactory.com
Mediterranean-type treats, kids’ menu, sunny yard, terrace, warehouse-chic bar and lots going on at this popular arts hotspot. See Bars.

VILLAGE POTTERY
70 Princess Victoria St, Clifton, BS8 4DD
Tel: 0117 973 4343, web: www.thevillagepottery.co.uk
Potter Jen Hamilton creates masterpieces out of clay, with cake masterpieces made by mum sold in the bijou adjoining cafe (including gluten-free). Dad does the dishes. Ever-fascinating garden out back. A bristling guestbook notes pleasing comments from far and wide - the carrot & pineapple has a hardcore following from North Wales who ring ahead to check it’ll be here when they visit. Iced coffee for summer, and if you’re lucky there might be fresh mint for your tea and a strawberry on your cake from the aforementioned garden. Open Tue-Sat 10am-5pm

NEW
WILD WOOD
90 Colston St, BS1 5BB
Tel: 0117 929 3627, web: www.thewildwoodbristol.co.uk
All-day, all-comers cafe, bar and evening dining destination with a comfy, laidback appeal. See Restaurants, European & Mediterranean. Open Mon-Wed 9am-11pm, Thur-Sat 9am-12midnight, Sun 12noon-12midnight

WINDMILL HILL CITY FARM
Philip St, Bedminster, BS3 4EA
Tel: 0117 963 3233, web: www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk
Buttered toast made from organic bread with real butter for 50p? It’d be rude not to. Simple yet utterly gorgeous and ethically sound dishes, all made on the premises, with organic and Fairtrade elements found across breakfasts, soups, jacket potatoes, lasagne, cottage pie, homity pie, goat’s cheese tart, tagines, stew and daily specials. Pancakes come with organic beef Bolognese. Ingredients like spinach, feta cheese, broccoli, stilton, pine nuts and walnuts evince the tasty, healthy and wholesome food on offer. All this in a light and airy setting amid the sights, sounds and smells of a city farm – life-enrichment doesn’t get better than this. Painting exhibitions add to this fine spot’s wide appeal. Buffets up to 30. Open Tue-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm

NEW
ZULU
391 Gloucester Rd, Horfield, BS7 8TS
Tel: 07899 011139, web: www.osgrow.com
And now for something completely different. Opened just before Christmas, this innovative cafe sells baguettes and wraps, but it’s what’s going in them that makes a visit very worthwhile for the curious carnivore. Standard fillings include honey-roast ham, tuna & sweetcorn and coronation chicken, but ostrich, kangaroo, crocodile, springbok or even kudu – a type of antelope - varieties are anything but. Breakfast baguettes, beef burgers and cakes are also on offer, with Fairtrade tea and filter coffee among the drinks.
Open Mon-Sat 8.30am-4.30pm

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