Shonette is back to share some of her favourite places in Bristol to grab some comfort food this autumn. 

Now that we’re heading into autumn, I thought I’d share some of my favourite Bristol food and drink to get you through the colder months, whether you decide to get cosy at home or head out to a nice bar or restaurant.

The Gallimaufry

The Galli has been one of my favourite places in Bristol since it opened back in 2014. This bar-lounge-restaurant does everything so well, from brunch to great value small plates in the evening, plus a winning drinks selection. The seats are comfy and there’s always a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, so it’s somewhere I can happily spend a few hours reading or eating. Plus they have a large heated terrace which is great for people watching.

Klosterhaus

I’ve been waiting years for a quality German restaurant to open in Bristol, so I am very excited that Klosterhaus has now arrived in Quakers Friars, and the interior is worth a visit alone! You can either go for the sturdy traditional options of currywurst, steins of beer and schnitzel, or there are several lighter or meat-free dishes too. My choice has to be the Butcher’s Plate, which has several meat specialities and is perfect for sharing with friends.

Image: Klosterhaus Restaurant Interior

Pieminister

I can’t think of something more comforting to eat than pie, mash and gravy, and Pieminister are the masters. My go-to order is the Moo & Blue (beef and Stilton) pie with mash, minty mushy peas, Cheddar cheese, crispy onions and gravy - it’s so filling and satisfying! They also do some great puddings but I’m always too full, so make sure you go hungry.

Image: Pieminister 

The Strawberry Thief

There’s something about cold weather which makes me crave darker or fruitier beers, so naturally I head to Strawberry Thief who do an impressive range of beers from across the world, specialising in Belgian beers but also stocking a good selection of Bristol breweries too. Their food menu also has some good snacks and heartier dishes, probably wise if you’re planning on having more than one of their stronger beers!

Image: The Strawberry Thief 

• Read more: Bristol cosy pubs

Swoon

Not only do Swoon do a superb range of award-winning gelato, but their Ciocolata Calda (hazelnut hot chocolate) has also won gold at the Great Taste Awards. It’s next-level delicious but not many people seem to know about it! You can have it as a drink or a sauce on your gelato, and there is nothing more enjoyably indulgent on a cold day, trust me.

Image: Swoon

Home deliveries

For the days when it’s too cold or rainy to venture outside (who doesn’t love a duvet day during winter), I love ordering a feast to enjoy at home - I’ve also been known to order some baked treats for the weekend from Bakers and Co, or a pre-mixed cocktail and steak kit from Hyde at Home if I’m feeling fancy!

Otherwise my usual delivery choices are from Beirut Mezze for a range of Lebanese dishes, Fat Rice for comforting Malysian food, Bertha’s Pizza for some of the best pizza in town, or Tsukemono for their colourful and delicious Japanese meals.

Image: Tsukemono - credit Shonette

• Read more: Bristol restaurants offering home delivery

About me

Image: Shonette

Shonette works for Visit Bristol and also writes about Bristol food and drink for a range of websites and magazines. You can read more on her blog A Life Less Organised.

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