Bubbles, Berries and More - a Brilliant Time in Bristol

Some work-related reasons led me to Bristol for an overnight stay. Kemey was able to join me for the trip, and we found plenty of pleasure to go along with the business during our short time in this small but vibrant town. We really didn’t do all that much while there but had an absolute blast. Here are some of the highlights from a chilled out 24 hours in Bristol.

The Bristol Hotel

K and I stayed the night at The Bristol Hotel. Right on the harbour and just a block over from picturesque Queen Square, I reckon it’s an ideally situated hotel whatever might bring you to town. We certainly didn’t have any problems getting around the city centre on foot while The Bristol was our base.

I can’t say this was the most extravagantly luxurious hotel I’ve ever checked into, but I am happy to report that it was just as comfortable as any chi chi place I’ve ever laid my head: Temple Spa toiletries; awesome duel head shower; big not-wobbly bed; great natural light and a decent view (waterside on the sixth floor anyway). Included breakfast was adequate, ample and a little better than standard hotel offerings I’ve experienced in the UK. Staff members were helpful and polite at all times during our stay.

Nothing all too terribly fancy going on at this four star hotel, but The Bristol has the fundamentals down solid. It definitely will be my first choice next time I head over that way.

Bubbles & Berries

When I booked our room, I took the hotel up on its Bubbles & Berries Package. The package included a bottle of bubbly (Louis Dornier & Fils) and a bowl of berries upon arrival in our room, overnight accommodation with breakfast for two plus free parking, free WiFi and free use of the hotel gym, priced from a very reasonable £109 per night. K and I both felt this added a sweet little romantic touch to our visit. Additional nights cost from £89 per room per night when booking through the B&B package.

BBQ at St Nicholas Market

On Tuesday, I had an amazing lunch at the Grillstock market stall at St Nicholas Market. £4.50 got me a massively meaty pulled pork bun with coleslaw. I loved it and reckon it was the best pulled pork I’ve had outside the US. It was really cool running into Essex Eating blogger, Dan, as well. I knew he’d moved to Bristol some time back but wasn’t aware what he was getting up to. He’s managing the Grillstock concession – and doing a delicious job I might add. The BBQ stall is to help promote the upcoming Grillstock festival (Bristol 11-12 May, Manchester 8-9 June). With a “think locally act hillbilly” attitude and the prospect of down home BBQ, live music and more, it promises to be a lot of fun.

Another Fine Lunch

Lunch today was pretty awesome as well. I had a kick ass slice of New York style pizza at humble yet cheery Pepenero Italian Fast Food and Pizzeria. I paid £6.40 total for two orders of a large and thoroughly satisfying plain slice with a soda. K and I were both content and didn’t even start to think about eating again until well into the evening.

Pepenero’s setting was a little less than salubrious (busy street near the bus station), but the freshly prepared organic pizza served with a genuinely appreciative smile at such a nice price made the place seem like a slice of heaven to me. I’m not sure what this says overall about the dining scene in Bristol, but Pepenero is the number one rated restaurant (of more than 800) listed on Tripadvisor.

Bristolians, Pepenero delivers for free within a mile of its shop with nominal charges for deliveries a bit further out.