Wapping Wharf is now the go-to place in Bristol if you want to eat, drink or spend a day somewhere that’s just that little bit different. This new addition to Bristol’s already booming food, drink and shopping scene has recently been named as one of the best spots to eat in the entire country! And rightfully so in my opinion.
On my weekends off, I love have a walk around this part of the harbourside and peer into the converted shipping containers to see what foodie delights lie inside. The result being I go into many of these containers and inevitably lose quite a few pounds from my pockets and/or add an inch or two to my waistline. Whilst this outcome may not be what you desire after an overindulgent Christmas break, I wouldn’t suggest coming here unless it was worth it.
For those of you that are still Wapping Wharf virgins, I have created a what’s what list of all the places you need try out on your next day off.
TREAT DAY
BOX-E
This 14 seat restaurant seats all its diners around a kitchen style table.Though the menu is ever-changing, what can be certain is that you will feast on some bold, beautiful and seasonal modern British dishes.
HARBOUR & BROWNS
Perfect venue for the summer time. They have an enviable wine and fizz menu, which should be partnered with their great selection of nibbles and sharing plates.
PIGSTY
Known as the home of the hog, this place has every form of porky treat you can imagine. From sausage rolls to scotch eggs, from quality jolly hog bangers to succulent pork belly with crispy crackling. Come here to satisfy your piggy cravings!
ROOT
One of Josh Eggleton’s newer projects, where you can see his team making veggies the main attraction. Whilst it mainly serves and insane array of vegetable dishes – the cauliflower and burrata are damn good – you can also get some equally delicious meat dishes served on the side.
TARE
Cooking and amazingly tasty set five course menu that changes by season. This cute 20 cover restaurant, is the place to go to experience some beautifully paired food and drinks in a relaxed and informal setting.
WILD BEER
With over 20 draft beers, and a variety of different bottles and cans; this place is ideal for anyone wanting to enjoy an ice-cold and flavourful beer with a few mates on a Friday evening or Saturday afternoon.
SHOLAY INDIAN KITCHEN
From the award-winning chefs that brought our city the infamous Mint Room, this time round they have created a menu consisting of funky and modern small and large Indian plates. The tamarind chicken and dhai baingan – aubergines in a yoghurt and coriander sauce – are beyond delicious.
CHILLED DAY
BERTHA’S PIZZA
Great venue for a lazy Saturday. Their pizzas are made with inhouse fermented sourdough, with a unique a vibrant choice of toppings. The Kimcheese – blue cheese, mozzarella, chard & turnip tops and kimchi – is incredible!
CALYPSO KITCHEN
For my fellow chilli addicts. Expect big, bold flavours here. Staying true to classic and soulful Caribbean cuisine, diners can feast on curried goat, jerk chicken, prawn gumbo, beef brisket and equally flavourful veggie and vegan dishes.
CARGO CANTINA
The place to go for authentic Mexican tacos, beers and tequila! The seafood salpicon taco which includes a fresh serrano chilli salad, octopus and prawns is too good. They should be washed down with their hibiscus margarita – perfect for a lazy afternoon with some friends.
GOPAL’S CURRY SHACK
Dishing up fresh, aromatic and seasonal vegetarian and vegan Indian food. Their menu offers anything but the standardised Indian takeaway menu, and they like to play with unique flavour combinations. The wild garlic pakoras and onion bhaji scotch egg are incredibly moorish.
MOKOKO
An independent bakery and coffee shop. Their cakes – including their banoffee cake – are beyond amazing; a perfect pairing with their top-notch coffees. A selection of salads, quiches, sandwiches are also available if want a light, delicious lunch.
LITTLE VICTORIES
An amazing coffee shop and espresso bar by day; and a cocktail bar by night. You can sit here all day if you wanted. Start with an exceedingly good cake and cup of coffee, followed by a quality cocktail and charcuterie board for some late night nibbles.
SALT & MALT
A perfect location for a proper good fish ‘n’ chip shop. Sit back, relax and feast on a classic seaside meal of battered cod, vinegary chip shop style chips and mushy peas. It may be old school, but it’s a staple British takeaway for a reason.
SPUNTINO
Meaning “snack” in Italian, here you can fill up on generous Italian-influenced New York food. They serve classic American staples that have a lil extra summin’ that makes them taste amazing. The lobster mac ‘n’ cheese is rich, creamy and oh so cheesy – totally worth all the calories.
WOKYKO
My favourite place to go. Diners choose from an array of mouthwateringly good Asian dishes. The menu consists crowd favourites with a contemporary twist; including salt and pepper squid with lemon aioli and braised pork, hoi sin ketchup, apple and peanut powder bao… YUM!
THE ATHENIAN
Get yourself to this Greek place ASAP and take a bite out of their nation’s favourite food. The lamb souvlaki is as authentic as they come. The best one I’ve had in the UK.
THE PICKLED BRISKET
Serving sandwiches at the highest quality. The Reuben – salt beef, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, blow torched Swiss cheese, mustard and gherkins – is delish. You need to try their new grilled-cheese sandwich… it’s mounds of melted cheese in toasted bread, need I say more?
ON THE GO
PIZZAROVA
Offering freshly baked sourdough pizzas to takeaway. What’s great about this place is that you can customise your own pizza, adding as many or as little toppings as you like. Their margherita on its own is already a winner.
OLIVER’S ICE CREAM
They make over 60 delightfully smooth and intensely creamy gelatos, alongside punchy sorbets and refreshing ice lollies. A great place to grab an ice cream and walk around the harbourside in the sunshine.
SQUEEZED
This tiny little restaurant deserves a big shout out for the quality of their lemonades. They have six unique flavours to choose from – the blood orange and rose is a real triumph – which go great with their juicy burgers, fries, slaw and charred corn.
CUPP BUBBLE TEA
Fancy something a little bit different? Then try one of Cupp’s amazing Taiwanese inspired bubble teas. All of their drinks are made with fresh milk, fresh fruit and loose leaf teas. To get a real sugary fix, go for the iced milk tea with chewy tapioca.
LOVETT PIES
Walk into this place, and you’ll most likely walk away with a handful of delicious award-winning pies. Their unique flavour combinations, including chicken and gammon and puy lentil and welsh rarebit make for a truly comforting snack on a cold day.
BIG JUICE
The perfect place for those who are on a health-kick. They make delicious and nutritious freshly made juices and smoothies; one of their drinks contain more fruit and veg than I eat in a whole week. So you will leave here feeling incredibly healthy.
SHOPPING DAY
BETTER FOOD
Boasting some of the most organic, local and ethically-sourced food available in Bristol. From fruit and veg, to herbs and spices and even an array of crisps and sweet treats, this shop is a foodie’s dream!
THE ASSEMBLY BAKERY
The best place to go if you want to take home a quality loaf, cake or pastry. It has been said that their sourdough is the best in the whole of Bristol… but you can be the judge of that.
BEER NECESSITIES
An independent craft beer shop selling speciality and quality beers. From standard fridge favourites to the weird and wonderful, this shop will have a bottle that any beer connoisseur would be happy to buy.
MEAT BOX
A small butchers that provides ethically-sourced meat. Only the best pasture fed, outdoor reared and organic beef, pork, chicken, lamb and other favourites are all stocked here.
THE BRISTOL CHEESEMONGER
For all you cheese lovers out there. This is an independent cheesemonger, proudly stocking a variety of cheeses from the South West, and everytime I have gone in there, there is always a new cheese to try.
CORKS AT CARGO
If you’re looking for the perfect bottle of wine for a celebratory occasion, then you must have a look in here. You can choose from a carefully selected range of European focused wines, plus they also have beers and spirits available too.
THE BRISTOL CIDER SHOP
An award-winning cider shop stocking over 100 types of local artisan cider. Whilst here you can try some of their ciders alongside some cheeses and pork pies. You can also sign up for one of their fun cider tasting evenings where you try 10 different ciders including the infamous Somerset Cider Brandy.