The Local's Guide: Cotham and Kingsdown

Gin peddler, cocktail connoisseur and food fanatic Danny Walker tells us why this hilly suburb of Bristol is worth the climb...

I first moved to Bristol sixteen years ago, and other than a few spells oversees I have called Bristol home ever since. I fell head over heels in love with the city and anytime I have to leave I feel a tremendous sense of relief when I get back on the M32 or pull into Temple Meads.

For the past five years I have lived in Kingsdown, a happy little suburb tucked away between Stokes Croft and Cotham, a stones throw from the city and a short walk from Gloucester Road and Whiteladies, so pretty well located. 

The Bristol food scene has exploded in recent years, and nowhere more so than within an 8 minute walk of my house, which is pretty awesome. Here are my local highlights...

Image - Psychopomp

Chandos Road

Stop for a quick beer in Red Monkey micro pub before completing the tour with a meal at Wilsons. Everything about Wilsons is pure simplicity, with exceptional execution, blanc walls and a small daily menu of 3 starters, 3 mains and 3 desserts. 

Image - Wilson's

Cotham Hill

Another amazing street that seems to keep getting better. I always start out at Corks Of Cotham, a stunning little booze shop with a well-curated wine selection, a huge amount of craft beers and a spirits selection well worth staring longingly at for a while. All of that coupled with friendly, knowledgeable staff makes most boozy gift buying a cinch.

Next stop is Bravas for the most authentic tapas experience in town. This small space is always packed with the hustle and bustle you'd expect in downtown Barcelona, with food and sherry to match. It's a great late night option as they serve a little later than most.

The street also plays host to a great street party in the summer, which is a fab family day out.

Image - Bravas

Kingsdown

St Michael's Hill isn't a fun hill to walk up, but it's worth it to get to Kingsdown.

First of all there are the pubs, and what a line up:The Green Man for the best Sunday Roast in town, The Hillgrove for its awesome beer selection, The Highbury Vaults to step back in time and play some bar billiards, The Robin Hood for its pop-up kitchen takeovers and The Kingsdown Vaults for all of the live music - all within a 8 minute walk of each other!

Then of course there is Psychopomp - I couldn't not plug the distillery! Pop in during the week for a gin & tonic while gin trickles out of the stills, or book in on a Saturday to learn how to make your own gin.

Just around the corner is Bulrush, another of Bristol's best little independent restaurants; I ate a foie gras macaron last time I visited and it has stuck in my mind ever since.

Image - Chandos Road

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