6th April 2015
Last week, Lucy (one of Boutique and Breakfast’s two founders) found herself with a couple of days to spend exploring the fascinating city of Bristol, but unseasonably wet, windy and gloomy weather threatened to spoil her fun. Here’s her account of her trip…
Thankfully, I was staying in the heart of the Old Town at Brooks, one of three equally fabulous sister guest houses featured on the website (the others are located in Bath and Edinburgh) and I found the ultimate wet weather activity for a miserable Monday afternoon – literally on my doorstep! Brooks Bristol is located right next to St. Nicholas Market, the city’s oldest and best-loved market. As the market is under cover, it proved a welcoming refuge from the storm raging outside.
Carla Brooks, who owns the guesthouse, assured me that the market is one of the best places to eat in Bristol. I must confess to being a tad sceptical – until I saw (and smelled!) the amazing choice of food stands for myself! If you’re feeling virtuous, you can pick up a freshly-squeezed fruit and vegetable juice bursting with vitamins before heading next door for an authentic Moroccan tagine or to the stall opposite for the most amazing vegan falafel served in a pitta with traditional accompaniments. You can dine on everything from locally-sourced sausages and award-winning pies to authentic Indian food that’s better – and way cheaper – than you’ll find in any restaurant. At The Chocolate Bar, you can select the handmade truffles of your choice from the vast selection in the counter and enjoy them with a pot of speciality tea as you watch the world go by. Bliss!
The market also houses a maze of stalls selling everything from second hand books and vinyl to vintage clothing, gifts and household goods. As with the food, there are influences from around the world. Japanese kimonos are sold alongside incense and crystals.
During a brief respite from the squall, I explored the maze of narrow cobbled streets surrounding the market, where you’ll find everything from traditional pubs to vintage clothing shops. The Source, a food hall and cafe, serves great food and wine, and has impressive fish, meat and cheese counters, where you can buy ingredients to take home with you. However, after the delights of the market, the prices may be a little eye-watering.
Venturing further into the city centre, I followed the course of the river towards the main shopping area, which includes The Galleries and Cabot Circus shopping centres, where you’ll find a great range of high street stores. The latter is the more impressive of the two by far, with a diverse and upmarket selection of shops.
I had to put my plans to wander down towards the vibrant and attractive Harbourside area on hold until the weather improved but, after a day spent dodging the rain, Brooks was a cosy and restful refuge to return to. The guesthouse is set around a pretty courtyard with a water feature at its centre, which must be a delightful spot during the summer months. Carla’s friendly and welcoming staff couldn’t have been more helpful, booking taxis for me, patiently giving me directions and advising on the best places to visit. My room was light, airy and comfortable, with a stylish, contemporary look and feel, and a sleek en suite shower room.
A fantastic breakfast is served in the ground floor dining area, where there’s also a comfortable lounge with bifold doors that open out onto the courtyard (when the weather is good). In the mornings, you can watch from your table as the team in the open plan kitchen cook the hot breakfast of your choice fresh to order. An extensive buffet is set out on the breakfast bar for guests to choose from. I opted for the Eggs Florentine on the special board and it was delicious. The freshly-made coffee was great too.
The following day, as my whistle-stop tour of Bristol neared its end, the rain stopped and the spring sunshine finally decided to make an appearance. I was determined not to miss out on seeing one of the city’s most iconic sights, so hopped in a taxi and headed out to view Clifton Suspension Bridge, an awe-inspiring, 150-year old, Grade I-listed structure spanning the Avon Gorge. I also managed to squeeze in a visit to the Harbourside to see SS Great Britain, which is said to have been the world’s first great ocean liner. Now an award-winning visitor attraction, it’s a sight not to be missed. Nearby there’s a great choice of cafes, restaurants and other attractions to enjoy – it’s an area that I intend to return to next time I’m in Bristol. I’ll definitely be back but I’m hoping the weather will be kinder.
Lucy
The Boutique and Breakfast team.