If this is your first visit to Bristol or the UK, no doubt top of your list is trying some well-known dishes like fish and chips, afternoon tea or a good old fashioned roast dinner.

We’ve rounded up some of the best places to find traditional British dishes in Bristol, and it’s up to you whether you put vinegar on your chips, or put jam or cream on your scone first!

Enjoy a pie feast

One of Bristol’s most-loved local businesses, you’ll find branches of Pieminister across the city, including in St Nicholas Market, Stokes Croft and Broad Quay in the centre. Choose from a selection of award-winning local pies, including the Moo & Blue (steak and stilton) or Kevin – their very popular vegan pie. 

Pieminister Bristol
Image - Pieminister

Taste the best local steak

There's no better way to try British beef than in a beautifully-cooked steak, and you have plenty of choice in Bristol! Head to award-winning steak restaurant The Ox in the city centre for a low-lit and glamorous setting, sharing steaks and an extensive wine menu. 

Contemporary chophouse The Cow & Sow offers a selection of prime cuts, seasonal specials and fun cocktails from their restaurants in the city centre and Clifton.

The Ox Bristol
Image - The Ox Bristol

Fill up on bangers + mash

One of the most comforting dishes we can think of, sausages, mashed potato and gravy is a British classic, and nowhere in Bristol does it as well as The Clifton Sausage. Choose from a range of sausages, including vegetarian and vegan options, all served with mashed potato or champ (mashed potato with spring onions).

Clifton Sausage
Image - The Clifton Sausage

Tuck into a delicious roast dinner

No Sunday is complete without a delicious roast, and most Bristol pubs and restaurants offer a cosy plateful for you to enjoy every Sunday. Among our favourites in the city are from harbourside pub The Ostrich, and local's favourite The Gallimaufry.  

Roast dinner
Image - roast dinner at The Langford

Treat yourself to afternoon tea

Bite-sized sandwiches, beautiful cakes and scones piled high with jam and cream – afternoon tea has to be one of the most enjoyable British food traditions there is! Go for the ultimate in luxury at Thornbury Castle just outside Bristol, or in the opulent surrounds of The Ivy Clifton Brasserie. Alternatively, you can try a more modern twist at Ashwell & Co in Clifton.

Thornbury Castle afternoon tea
Image - Thornbury Castle

Feast on Fish and Chips 

It doesn’t come much better than sitting in a cosy pub with a local ale and a plate of tasty cod and chips. The bonus at The Cottage is that you can do all that with a harbour view. Take a seat and watch the ferries, windsurfers and paddleboarders go by.

You can also find good fish and chips (including gluten free options) at Catch 22 on Park Street and Salt & Malt, which has two branches – one in Wapping Wharf, and the other next to the picturesque Chew Valley Lake – well worth the short drive from Bristol.

The Cottage Inn fish and chips

Image - The Cottage Inn

Enjoy a seafood selection

If you want to enjoy a wider range of British seafood than simply fish and chips, head to Noah's on the water's edge in Cumberland Basin to try a range of freshly-caught dishes, from grilled hake to mussels, or hand-dived scallops.

scallops
Image - Noah's

Start your day with a Full English breakfast

An English Fry Up is known for being one of the sturdiest morning meals there is; eggs, bacon, sausages, toast, and don’t forget the baked beans! You’ll find a Full English at most cafes in the city, but you also get the added bonus of a stunning harbour view at Mud Dock. The perfect place to plan your day while taking in the scenery.

Terrace at Mud Dock

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