Bristol: A Culinary Gem and an Excellent Hotel - The River Grille and also Hotel du Vin
Indulging in Bristol’s Waterside Dining Scene
Last week, my visit to Bristol offered an opportunity to experience its dynamic food scene. A highlight was dinner at The River Grille, an elegant establishment perfectly situated within the waterside setting of The Bristol Hotel. This recent visit coincided with the launch of their brand-new Winter Menu, a seasonal collection that is said to offer warmth and depth of flavour.
The Bristol Hotel
Executive Chef Pawel Mikolajczewski: Celebrating Seasonal Flavours
The creation of this inspiring menu rests with Executive Head Chef Pawel Mikolajczewski. Chef Pawel has crafted dishes that are a genuine celebration of the season, focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
This commitment is immediately evident in starters like the exquisite Pan-Seared Brixham Scallops served alongside sweet butternut squash purée and a delicate, salty parma ham crisp. This dish alone showcases the kitchen's flair for balancing rich seafood with earthy, seasonal accompaniments.
Commitment to Local West Country Produce
A core philosophy at The River Grille is the dedicated use of local Bristol and West Country suppliers. This ensures the freshest possible ingredients while supporting the regional food community—a detail that discerning diners appreciate. For example, their prime meats are sourced from the city’s renowned Buxton Butchers.
The culinary inspiration artfully blends the comforting tradition of British cuisine with the sophistication of French cooking, resulting in a menu that is both familiar and exciting. Furthermore, The River Grille provides a wide and thoughtful selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring every diner can enjoy the experience.
The Main Event: Duo of Duck à l'Orange
For my own main course, I chose the excellent Duo of Duck. This dish featured a perfectly confit duck leg paired with a tender half breast a l’orange, a classic French preparation. The rich, succulent duck was accompanied by light, airy Parmesan gnocchi and seasonal green vegetables, making for a truly memorable and satisfying meal.
🏨 Luxurious City Centre Stay: Hotel du Vin Bristol Review
The Perfect Launchpad for Exploring Bristol
As far as accommodation was concerned, we stayed at the highly-regarded Hotel du Vin in the bustling city centre. This is an extremely well-appointed and comfortable hotel that provided the perfect retreat after a day of exploring Bristol’s landmarks and harbour-side attractions.
The hotel proudly bills itself as “the perfect launchpad for exploring this vibrant city's offerings,” and its central location makes navigation effortless, putting you within easy reach of the city's artistic, cultural, and historic sites.
A First-Class Start to the Day
A particular highlight of the stay was the memorable and first-class breakfast. The quality of the food and attentive service truly set the tone for the day ahead, solidifying Hotel du Vin's reputation for exceptional hospitality.
Hotel du Vin courtyard
Plan Your Visit
Dining Reservations: Pre-booking your table at The River Grille is highly advisable, especially during peak times. Visit The Doyle Collection website for reservations: https://www.doylecollection.com/hotels/the-bristol-hotel/dining/the-river-grille
Book Your Stay: To learn more about the luxurious accommodation options at Hotel du Vin, please check out their website: https://www.hotelduvin.com/
