Food/drink in Bristol - child friendly?!?
Discussion
As the title suggests - 1st timer to Bristol
Taking our daughter to Bristol, staying Friday to Sunday. Pretty much got the day activities sorted - zoo, aquarium, @Bristol, SS GB but stuck for eateries of an evening.
Anything like a rainforest cafe in town (she's animal mad!!)?
We'll eat anything, daughter (7) loves meat and chinese (well, their ribs). Staying at the Mariott.
Many thanks,
Scott
Taking our daughter to Bristol, staying Friday to Sunday. Pretty much got the day activities sorted - zoo, aquarium, @Bristol, SS GB but stuck for eateries of an evening.
Anything like a rainforest cafe in town (she's animal mad!!)?
We'll eat anything, daughter (7) loves meat and chinese (well, their ribs). Staying at the Mariott.
Many thanks,
Scott
Do you want a chain type place or somewhere independant? there are plenty of chains around that area which will do the job but wouldn't be my choice personally.
The Pump House in Hotwells (20min walk along the river) has a nice upmarket relaxed gastropub on the lower floor (fine dining restaurant on top) and always seems child freindly when I've been (regually get young familys in there in the evenings). they do a limited but very nice bar menu. The Restaurant is also excellent but probably not the best for a youngun although if they behave themself it would be fine.
Jamies italian at the top of park street would also be a good shout- good food for a chain type place, seems pretty child freindly when I have been.
Another one that is definately worth a visit either for lunch or dinner is Source Food hall in St Nicholas market. Great brasserie style food in a cafe style setup looking over their Food market. I've not had dinner here but regually have lunch and its a fun bustly environment and the ingredients all come from the shop attached to it which are wonderfully sourced. I'm a long term customer and its my go to place for top quality ingredients.
hope that helps.
Pete
The Pump House in Hotwells (20min walk along the river) has a nice upmarket relaxed gastropub on the lower floor (fine dining restaurant on top) and always seems child freindly when I've been (regually get young familys in there in the evenings). they do a limited but very nice bar menu. The Restaurant is also excellent but probably not the best for a youngun although if they behave themself it would be fine.
Jamies italian at the top of park street would also be a good shout- good food for a chain type place, seems pretty child freindly when I have been.
Another one that is definately worth a visit either for lunch or dinner is Source Food hall in St Nicholas market. Great brasserie style food in a cafe style setup looking over their Food market. I've not had dinner here but regually have lunch and its a fun bustly environment and the ingredients all come from the shop attached to it which are wonderfully sourced. I'm a long term customer and its my go to place for top quality ingredients.
hope that helps.
Pete
Edited by Pete Franklin on Tuesday 24th January 11:01
http://zazabazaar.com/location.html
Recently opened; never been but (student) friends have and raved. In all honesty, the food is probably crap though.
Recently opened; never been but (student) friends have and raved. In all honesty, the food is probably crap though.
Henry Hawthorne said:
http://zazabazaar.com/location.html
Recently opened; never been but (student) friends have and raved. In all honesty, the food is probably crap though.
Likewise never been but heard a lot about it- not my thing personally but i'm sure it could be quite fun for the kids.Recently opened; never been but (student) friends have and raved. In all honesty, the food is probably crap though.
One thing I would mention though is that the waterfront area with lloyds no1, pitcher and piano etc is not somewhere that i would be comfortable taking my children to on a friday or saturday evening. Once the boozers fill up its a bit of a binge drinking hot spot. should be fine before 8pm or 9pm though.
Pete Franklin said:
Do you want a chain type place or somewhere independant? there are plenty of chains around that area which will do the job but wouldn't be my choice personally.
The Pump House in Hotwells (20min walk along the river) has a nice upmarket relaxed gastropub on the lower floor (fine dining restaurant on top) and always seems child freindly when I've been (regually get young familys in there in the evenings). they do a limited but very nice bar menu. The Restaurant is also excellent but probably not the best for a youngun although if they behave themself it would be fine.
Looking for something other than the main chains. ^ sounds really nice - definitely one to shortlistThe Pump House in Hotwells (20min walk along the river) has a nice upmarket relaxed gastropub on the lower floor (fine dining restaurant on top) and always seems child freindly when I've been (regually get young familys in there in the evenings). they do a limited but very nice bar menu. The Restaurant is also excellent but probably not the best for a youngun although if they behave themself it would be fine.
Pete Franklin said:
Another one that is definately worth a visit either for lunch or dinner is Source Food hall in St Nicholas market. Great brasserie style food in a cafe style setup looking over their Food market. I've not had dinner here but regually have lunch and its a fun bustly environment and the ingredients all come from the shop attached to it which are wonderfully sourced. I'm a long term customer and its my go to place for top quality ingredients.
Also sounds nice - another one to consider.Pete Franklin said:
Henry Hawthorne said:
http://zazabazaar.com/location.html
Recently opened; never been but (student) friends have and raved. In all honesty, the food is probably crap though.
Likewise never been but heard a lot about it- not my thing personally but i'm sure it could be quite fun for the kids.Recently opened; never been but (student) friends have and raved. In all honesty, the food is probably crap though.
One thing I would mention though is that the waterfront area with lloyds no1, pitcher and piano etc is not somewhere that i would be comfortable taking my children to on a friday or saturday evening. Once the boozers fill up its a bit of a binge drinking hot spot. should be fine before 8pm or 9pm though.
Thanks for the link - excellent variety on offer - definitely something for all of us there. Will consider this, despite its proximity to the drunken hoards. The food presentation looks good - on their website at least - lets hope it tastes as good as it looks, eh?!
Thanks for the heads up on this Pete, although I don't think we'll be there during the busy time.
I have no idea where these are in relation to the Zoo and the hotel so I'll start mapping them, now.
Thanks chaps!! Much appreciated.
Scott
Edited by kybo on Tuesday 24th January 12:42
The Zoo is quite a way away on the out skirts of Clifton- still walking distance (just) but a good treck. if you are looking for food nearby then Clifton village has a lot to offer and is a nice place to stroll around. Friday and saturday night will be pretty busy though.
Places worth a look are The Albion, The Clifton Sausage, also The Mall pub if you go early. there are probably many others of note now but i havent been back for a while (lived there for 5 years)
If the weather is good then a cheap and slightly different option would be to get some fish and chips from the shop in Clifton Village or some nice bits from the deli on princess victoria street or the arch house deli by victoria square, a cold bottle of bubbly from oddbins and go for a nice picnic on the observatory hill looking out over the whole of the city, The Avon gorge and clifton suspension bridge, which looks great at night when lit up.
If you fancy a pint in a freindly and characterful pub then the Portcullis just off royal york crescent is really nice little place. also good if you are into your Real ale
As an aside the observatory itself is well worth a look during the day especially with kids- there is a camera obsurer on the top and also a narrow cave that runs from within the observatory to a point halfway down the cliff underneith the suspension bridge- very exciting for little people (and big people too). within the park there is a nice playground and a stone slope that has been worn smooth into a slide by people sliding down it- I have lasting memories of visiting as a kid way before i moved over this way.
Places worth a look are The Albion, The Clifton Sausage, also The Mall pub if you go early. there are probably many others of note now but i havent been back for a while (lived there for 5 years)
If the weather is good then a cheap and slightly different option would be to get some fish and chips from the shop in Clifton Village or some nice bits from the deli on princess victoria street or the arch house deli by victoria square, a cold bottle of bubbly from oddbins and go for a nice picnic on the observatory hill looking out over the whole of the city, The Avon gorge and clifton suspension bridge, which looks great at night when lit up.
If you fancy a pint in a freindly and characterful pub then the Portcullis just off royal york crescent is really nice little place. also good if you are into your Real ale
As an aside the observatory itself is well worth a look during the day especially with kids- there is a camera obsurer on the top and also a narrow cave that runs from within the observatory to a point halfway down the cliff underneith the suspension bridge- very exciting for little people (and big people too). within the park there is a nice playground and a stone slope that has been worn smooth into a slide by people sliding down it- I have lasting memories of visiting as a kid way before i moved over this way.
Edited by Pete Franklin on Tuesday 24th January 13:41
carreauchompeur said:
Za Za Bazaar is actually pretty good, but does have big queues at the weekend. The food is a decent standard and plenty of variety. Well recommended, but I'd avoid the Waterfront on Fri/Sat nights as it is muppet central- I know because I live down there!
Looks like they do a good selection, so not surprising they have big queues.(I assume their food is better than their spelling... had a quick read through their food selection and spotted these mistakes... JALEPENO, TENESSE STYLE MEATY RIBS, BURITTOS, TORTILAS, CARRIBEAN, GLUCAMOLE, MARGHREITA, JUBILLEE, SHERRY TRIFFLE, MASCERPONE - surprising really, the website is really nicely designed!)
carreauchompeur said:
Za Za Bazaar is actually pretty good, but does have big queues at the weekend. The food is a decent standard and plenty of variety. Well recommended, but I'd avoid the Waterfront on Fri/Sat nights as it is muppet central- I know because I live down there!
Had Za Za Bazaar couple weeks before Christmas, Was surprisingly good and the selection is very impressive - Remember to book a table or you will be waiting a while! Pete Franklin said:
The Zoo is quite a way away on the out skirts of Clifton- still walking distance (just) but a good treck. if you are looking for food nearby then Clifton village has a lot to offer and is a nice place to stroll around. Friday and saturday night will be pretty busy though.
Places worth a look are The Albion, The Clifton Sausage, also The Mall pub if you go early. there are probably many others of note now but i havent been back for a while (lived there for 5 years)
If the weather is good then a cheap and slightly different option would be to get some fish and chips from the shop in Clifton Village or some nice bits from the deli on princess victoria street or the arch house deli by victoria square, a cold bottle of bubbly from oddbins and go for a nice picnic on the observatory hill looking out over the whole of the city, The Avon gorge and clifton suspension bridge, which looks great at night when lit up.
If you fancy a pint in a freindly and characterful pub then the Portcullis just off royal york crescent is really nice little place. also good if you are into your Real ale
As an aside the observatory itself is well worth a look during the day especially with kids- there is a camera obsurer on the top and also a narrow cave that runs from within the observatory to a point halfway down the cliff underneith the suspension bridge- very exciting for little people (and big people too). within the park there is a nice playground and a stone slope that has been worn smooth into a slide by people sliding down it- I have lasting memories of visiting as a kid way before i moved over this way.
Pete,Places worth a look are The Albion, The Clifton Sausage, also The Mall pub if you go early. there are probably many others of note now but i havent been back for a while (lived there for 5 years)
If the weather is good then a cheap and slightly different option would be to get some fish and chips from the shop in Clifton Village or some nice bits from the deli on princess victoria street or the arch house deli by victoria square, a cold bottle of bubbly from oddbins and go for a nice picnic on the observatory hill looking out over the whole of the city, The Avon gorge and clifton suspension bridge, which looks great at night when lit up.
If you fancy a pint in a freindly and characterful pub then the Portcullis just off royal york crescent is really nice little place. also good if you are into your Real ale
As an aside the observatory itself is well worth a look during the day especially with kids- there is a camera obsurer on the top and also a narrow cave that runs from within the observatory to a point halfway down the cliff underneith the suspension bridge- very exciting for little people (and big people too). within the park there is a nice playground and a stone slope that has been worn smooth into a slide by people sliding down it- I have lasting memories of visiting as a kid way before i moved over this way.
Edited by Pete Franklin on Tuesday 24th January 13:41
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge - particularly like the Observatory idea.
I think the zoo was about 2 mile from the hotel - I'm fine with that, but the ladies...
Are there good bus links to the zoo? I think the hotel is on
I get the impression I should avoid the waterfront in the evening, but is it worth a stroll mid/late afternoon?
Steedy, Thanks for the heads up about booking a table - we may have to check it out Friday in readiness for a Saturday booking.
Cheers all,
Scott
Edited by kybo on Wednesday 25th January 08:27
carreauchompeur said:
Za Za Bazaar is actually pretty good, but does have big queues at the weekend. The food is a decent standard and plenty of variety. Well recommended, but I'd avoid the Waterfront on Fri/Sat nights as it is muppet central- I know because I live down there!
... and we all know what your (curry house) recommendations are like. 
O/T (but as the OP I'll forgive myself, lol)
Car parking - our hotel (on Lower Castle street, just checked) doesn't have a car park of its own so where's the best place to settle the car down for the weekend? And how much will it set me back?
Considering this, I may drive to the zoo and leave it there all day (for free hopefully)
Ta,
Scott
Car parking - our hotel (on Lower Castle street, just checked) doesn't have a car park of its own so where's the best place to settle the car down for the weekend? And how much will it set me back?
Considering this, I may drive to the zoo and leave it there all day (for free hopefully)
Ta,
Scott
Castle street itself is fine - its right next to Cabot circus (the new shopping centre). Be a little bit wary in castle park after dark. Its not that bad though, just dark and unpopulated
Parking, hmm could be a bit pricy in the centre. If it was me (depending on the price in the centre) I would drop everyone off and then find some free off street parking around cotham, redland or clifton and walk back but i'm a cheapscate. best to ask the hotel for long term solutions (i thought there was a car park attached to that hotel but i could be wrong).
Parking, hmm could be a bit pricy in the centre. If it was me (depending on the price in the centre) I would drop everyone off and then find some free off street parking around cotham, redland or clifton and walk back but i'm a cheapscate. best to ask the hotel for long term solutions (i thought there was a car park attached to that hotel but i could be wrong).
Pete Franklin said:
Castle street itself is fine - its right next to Cabot circus (the new shopping centre). Be a little bit wary in castle park after dark. Its not that bad though, just dark and unpopulated
Parking, hmm could be a bit pricy in the centre. If it was me (depending on the price in the centre) I would drop everyone off and then find some free off street parking around cotham, redland or clifton and walk back but i'm a cheapscate. best to ask the hotel for long term solutions (i thought there was a car park attached to that hotel but i could be wrong).
Taken from the Marriott site:Parking, hmm could be a bit pricy in the centre. If it was me (depending on the price in the centre) I would drop everyone off and then find some free off street parking around cotham, redland or clifton and walk back but i'm a cheapscate. best to ask the hotel for long term solutions (i thought there was a car park attached to that hotel but i could be wrong).
Parking
Off-site parking, fee: 12.5 GBP daily
The NCP car park is adjacent to the hotel
Anything nearby cheaper than the NCP?
Thanks,
Scott
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