Food Glorious Food
Friday, 20th February 2009
Bristol's season of food starts with Fairtrade Fortnight (23 February - 8 March 2009), followed closely by the Bristol Vegan Fayre (30 - 31 May 2009). This famous food event brings 10,000 people to over 170 stalls covering all aspects of the vegan lifestyle - from cookery demonstrations and caterers to an ethical fashion show and live bands.
Launched last year, The Bristol Wine and Food Fair, is one of they city's newest food and drink events, and will once again take place on Bristol's harbourside over three days (10 – 12 July 2009). Showcasing the best wine, food and produce from across the region and much of Europe, this popular event is expected to draw thousands to the city. With over 600 wines and world-renowned wine merchants, plus top local restaurants offering cookery and wine tasting master classes, there is sure to be something to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.
At the peak of summer, the Bristol Harbour Festival (31 July - 02 August 2009) is the city’s liveliest and largest harbourside event. Although not a specific food occasion, the popular European food market takes place in Queen Square and is a great accompaniment to the entertainment both on and off the water.
The ever successful Soil Association’s Organic Food Festival (12 - 13 September 2009) is the climax of the festival season in September. As Europe’s largest celebration of all things organic, the event attracts 50,000 visitors and incorporates bustling food markets, a demonstration kitchen, a green pavilion and a kid’s zone.
Award Winning Food
In 2008, Bristol's historic St Nicholas Market was declared the 'UK's Greenest Market'. This impressive accolade was bolstered by another award for being the UK's ‘Speciality Market of the Year 2009’. This recognised the regular weekly Farmers’ Market and monthly Slow Food Market, which sell local and organic cheese, meat, game, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruit, jams, pickles, juices, bread and wine.
As far as restaurants go, Bristol has plenty of gems that continue to shine.
For a spot of fine dining in the heart of Bristol, Hotel du Vin & Bistro is the place to go. With its rustic yet elegant dining room and fine European food using local ingredients, the restaurant has been compared to the great dining rooms of London or Paris.
Bordeaux Quay on Bristol’s harbourside has built a fantastic reputation, mainly due to its superb food and admirable ethos of having minimal impact on the environment. It describes itself as 'much more than a place to eat', and with a restaurant, brasserie, bar, cooking school, bakery and deli all under one roof, it certainly lives up to the claim.
For further information and great ideas of places to eat and drink in Bristol, go to our Food & Drink section.
