Bristol’s independent eateries aren’t just surviving—they’re setting standards. Restaurants like Wilson’s in Redland, which holds a coveted Michelin Green Star for sustainability, and cafes like Hart’s Bakery under Temple Meads station, have helped put Bristol on the culinary map!
00:01Bristol has built a national reputation as one of the UK's top cities for independent food and drink.
00:08From artisan bakeries to Mitchell-enlisted restaurants, the city's diverse food scene continues to thrive,
00:15despite national trends showing that more than one in five hospitality businesses have shut down since the pandemic.
00:23I live up in Clifton, so there are tons of them around and there's some great places to eat.
00:31Brunel Raj I go to quite often and the fish and chip shop and various others.
00:37According to a 2024 report from the Office of National Statistics, independent hospitality businesses in Bristol have weathered economic pressures better than most UK cities,
00:50thanks to part of the loyal local support and the strong shop local culture.
00:55Bristol's independent eateries aren't just surviving, they're setting standards.
01:00Restaurants like Wilson's in Redland, which holds a converted Michelin Green Star for sustainability,
01:07and cafes like Hart's Bakery under Temple Mead Station have helped to put Bristol on the culinary map.
01:14In fact, the city has more independent cafes and restaurants per capita than any other poor city outside of London.
01:23Food awards and inclusion in the Good Food Guide have become almost routine for some Bristol names.
01:31So, what's behind the staying power?
01:34Many owners say it's the strength of community ties and a commitment to ethical sourcing.
01:41Venues like Poker Tapas Bar in Stokescroft focus on low waste kitchens and locally sourced ingredients.
01:48That's resonated with Bristol's environmentally conscious diners.
01:52I prefer cafes to restaurants and I go to quite a lot of them.
01:57And there are new ones opening up all the time, which is great.
02:00Tell me a little bit about some of the cafes you enjoy going to.
02:03I like going to coffee one, I like dog friendly cafes, ones who have a generous sized cup of coffee and good pastries.
02:12So, everywhere you look, just a lot of them.
02:18And Bristol is full of like restaurants and nice cafes, are there any ones that you really enjoy going to?
02:24Oh my gosh, yeah. I mean, round here there's great cafes.
02:27Food wise, I'm sure people have heard, but Wilson's, amazing. Absolutely amazing.
02:34There's a really good restaurant in Bedminster as well called Other, another one of my favourites.
02:40Coffee shops, I mean, I'm a bit picky, you know, but little victories.
02:44One we like, Swebben. 1B, great one.
02:49Are there any restaurants and cafes in Bristol that you've tried and enjoyed?
02:54Well, I actually love Ita Pitta because we haven't got one in London, so I'll be having that before I go home today.
