5 min readThere are plenty of places to treat your gathering to a special meal, from a boat with a view to a grand house in the countryside. These are 12 of the best, suited for large groups and with delectable food and drink offerings.
Racks Bar and Kitchen
Located in Clifton just off Whiteladies Road, Racks is a bar and restaurant in a converted wine cellar. A sought-after spot for group dining, they can comfortably accommodate parties of all sizes. Their spacious terrace is a great place for summer BBQs and it's always worth checking out their great value food and drink offers too.
Image - Racks
Za Za Bazaar
As one of the UK’s largest restaurants and such a large variety of dishes available, ZaZa Bazaar is perfect for groups and celebrations, families and friends. The restaurant can cater for up to 1000 diners in one sitting and is inspired by the night markets of Asia, so you can browse a range of freshly-made dishes from across the world, or request a dish cooked to order at the live cooking stations.
Image - Za Za Bazaar
Cappadocia
Not only is this Turkish restaurant in the city centre large enough to accomodate groups across its main restaurant, with a variety of booths and tables, but private dining is also available, as well as the option to book cocktail masterclasses. Their mezze sharing platters are perfect for groups to try a broader mix of the menu.
Image - Cappadocia
Cosy Club
There are plenty of areas where your group can enjoy some privacy and spread out at this former bank building on Corn Street. Private hire options are available, and their small plates menu lends itself well to a group setting.
Image - Cosy Club
BANK
Based in Totterdown, close to Temple Meads station, this neighbourhood restaurant has a menu of sharing plates drawing on influences from across the world and cooked over fire. The 'FEAST' tasting menu features four courses selected from the seasonal menu with meat and vegetarian options available. Their long dining tables can accommodate groups of up to 20 guests, or there is also a private dining option for up to 42 people.
The Harbour Kitchen
The Harbour Kitchen, based at Harbour Hotel Bristol inside an opulent former bank hall, is right on the money for group dining. Guests can feast on fresh seafood at the classy restaurant, which is decorated with bold, blue banquettes and sleek marble. As well as the food, tempting cocktail and wine lists are sure to win over your party.
Image - The Harbour Kitchen at Harbour Hotel Bristol
The Square Kitchen
Tucked away off Park Street you’ll find this modern restaurant in the Berkeley Square Hotel, just perfect for an exclusive group dinner. Creative and contemporary British cooking and menus that change with the seasons are what you can expect here. Many of the ingredients are even sourced from Clifton-based suppliers.
Image - The Square Kitchen
Hotel du Vin & Bistro
Dine inside the cosy and elegant converted 18th-century sugar warehouses that make up the dining spaces at the city centre Hotel du Vin. The menus celebrate French cooking, filled with simple and classic dishes from hearty steaks to crème brûlée. A sommelier is always on hand to recommend wines and keep your guests’ glass full all evening.
Image - Hotel du Vin and Bistro
Bambalan
With room aplenty, Bambalan welcomes large groups with a summery soundtrack and vibrant flavours from the Middle East and Mediterranean. Choose from mouth-watering mezze and mains like rotisserie shoulder of lamb served with tabbouleh. The rooftop terrace beckons when the sun is shining, serving up unrivalled views over the city centre.
Image - Bambalan
The Strawberry Thief
Beer is the speciality at this bar in the Old City, with a staggering variety of continental and UK craft beers to choose from. More than just a drinking den though, The Strawberry Thief has menus featuring fine ingredients from producers near Bristol and across the rest of the South West, with plenty of choice for those with dietary requirements.
Image - The Strawberry Thief
Mowgli
This grand restaurant on Corn Street makes quite the impression! Not only does the main restaurant have plenty of space for groups, but private dining is also available. Their menu of Indian market-style plates is perfect for a group to share.
Image - Mowgli
The River Grille
The unbeatable floor-to-ceiling views over the harbour are reason enough to book your group meal at The River Grille, the restaurant at The Bristol hotel. Highlights on the menu include fresh seafood from nearby the fishing port of Brixham and superb steaks barbecued on a Josper grill. Add to all that an elegant ambience, often with live piano or jazz playing, and you have the perfect setting for a special get-together.
Image - The Bristol Hotel / The River Grille
Bar and Cafe at Bristol Old Vic
Invite your guests to dine inside a piece of Bristol history, at the Bar and Cafe at Bristol Old Vic. The dining space is backdropped by the theatre's stunning original façade. And it's not just the venue that delivers – the kitchen produces simple, seasonal dishes that are utterly delicious too.
Image - Bar and Cafe at Bristol Old Vic
Hattusa at Berwick Lodge
Located close to the M5, head for luxury country house hotel Berwick Lodge and sit down to a slap-up meal in the two AA Rosette-awarded restaurant, Hattusa. Enjoy fine wines and modern British dishes, many of which are prepared using ingredients from the kitchen garden. Open fireplaces, ornate décor and crystal chandeliers lend an instant feeling of glamour to the experience.
Image - Berwick Lodge
