6 min readIf West Country fodder is calling you, and you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the Bristol area, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect combination of delicious food, fine wines and a comfy bed. We’ve rounded up some top places to stay for foodies, from charming boutique hotels to country houses.
*Don’t forget to check restaurant bookings when you book your room to avoid disappointment.
Hotel du Vin & Bistro
Located in the Old City in a former sugar house, Hotel du Vin is loved for its AA Rosette restaurant and extensive wine list as much as the quirky, historic rooms and suites. Enjoy a meal of French and British-inspired dishes in the candlelit bistro, matched with the perfect wine by the in-house sommelier. Book the private dining room for a special occasion or linger over an al fresco lunch in the flagstone courtyard on sunny days.
Image - Hotel du Vin & Bistro Bristol
Harbour Hotel Bristol
If you fancy kicking back in the spa between meals, Bristol Harbour Hotel is the place to be. While the luxurious spa facilities await underground, stylish seafood bar and grill The Harbour Kitchen is based in one of the former banking halls in this remarkably elegant building.
Regional and seasonal ingredients are the star of the classic British dishes here, which you can watch come to life in the open kitchen. Pre or post-dinner cocktails at the swanky, speakeasy-inspired Gold Bar are a must too.
Image - The Harbour Kitchen at Harbour Hotel Bristol
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel has overlooked College Green for over 150 years, making it the city’s oldest hotel. Its Miller & Carter Steakhouse is a much newer affair, open since 2018. This steak joint prides itself on sourcing the highest quality cuts, which are aged for at least 30 days and cut off the bone by their master butchers. Elevate your steak dinner with one of the indulgent sides, like truffle mac and cheese or camembert mashed potato.
Image - Miller & Carter Steakhouse at Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel
The Berkeley Square Hotel
The boutique Berkeley Square Hotel in Clifton has an arty reputation, home of a private member’s club for creatives and a rotating exhibition of works by local artists. The creative flair continues at The Square Kitchen, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant dedicated to modern British cooking with seasonal, West Country produce. Its heated and covered al fresco terrace is the perfect spot for after-dinner cocktails.
Image - The Square Kitchen at The Berkeley Square Hotel
The Rodney Hotel
Located in Clifton Village, just a short walk away from the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, The Rodney is another Georgian townhouse hotel with an award-winning restaurant. Like sister restaurant The Square Kitchen, the AA Rosette No.4 Clifton Village loves to showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients in its dishes. Menus change week to week but you’re always guaranteed to tuck into food from regional suppliers, some as nearby as Ruby and White butchers, a fellow Clifton business.
Image - No.4 Clifton Village at The Rodney Hotel
The Bristol
Harbourside views? Check. Fabulous restaurant? Double check. The Bristol is right on the waterfront and even if you miss out on a room on that side of the hotel, you can always dine by the floor-to-ceiling windows in The River Grille.
As the name suggests, fresh fish and seafood are favourites here, as well as steaks cooked on the Josper grill, which leaves them full of flavour. The always elegant ambience is dialled up even further on weekends, when the sound of live piano and jazz often fills the restaurant.
Image - The River Grille at The Bristol Hotel
Berwick Lodge
Set in beautiful grounds just outside the city, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the countryside at the sophisticated Berwick Lodge. It’s superbly indulgent, with big beds, impressive bathrooms and fine dining in the 2AA Rosette-winning restaurant, Hattusa. Sample a lavish afternoon tea during the day and the à la carte, brasserie or six-course tasting menu (with optional wine flight) in the evening.
Image - Dining room at Berwick Lodge
Thornbury Castle
Yes, that’s right, a castle. And not just any castle, a striking 16th-century pile fit for royalty – Henry VIII chose to stay here on his honeymoon with Anne Boleyn. Inside, the exquisite décor, four-poster beds and lavish bedchambers transport you back in time.
To add to its impressive legacy, in the ‘70s Thornbury Castle became the place for stars like Sophia Loren and Laurence Olivier to feast. Today, you can savour a meal in storied surroundings at the 3 AA Rosette restaurant, or sample an all-day dining menu in the cosy lounge.
Image - Tower Restaurant at Thornbury Castle
Aztec Hotel and Spa
Situated in South Gloucestershire, Aztec Hotel and Spa's premium bedrooms and luxurious spa make it the perfect place to unwind and relax. Their two AA Rosette restaurant, The Curious Kitchen has a menu built on curiosity of flavours from around the globe, with an extensive wine offering to compliment their seasonal menu. Their food uses local produce where possible and even veg from their own garden.
Their private dining room, The ‘Garden Room’ is a great space for special occasions, or if you fancy a great cup of coffee, stone baked pizzas and tapas style dishes, visit the hotel's on-site Black Sheep Coffee.
Image - Curious Kitchen at Aztec Hotel and Spa
THE PIG-near Bath
Hunker down in the Somerset countryside at this relaxed and welcoming restaurant with eclectic, homely rooms. They are fanatical about hyper-local food here, with much of the produce grown in their own bountiful Kitchen Garden. The rest of the 25-mile menu is sourced from passionate local farmers and small producers. Don’t be surprised by last-minute twists on dishes, as chefs react to what’s foraged and picked by the team on the day. It's a true taste of the West Country.
Image - Kitchen Garden at THE PIG-near Bath
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