A Foodie Weekend in Bristol: The River Grille and Hotel du Vin
Updated: Aug 21
Bristol is one of those West Country cities that seems to get more interesting every time I visit. There is the harbour, of course, along with the old streets, museums, galleries and lively cultural scene. But increasingly I find myself thinking about Bristol in another way: as a very good destination for a food-and-hotel weekend.
On a recent visit I had the opportunity to try the new winter menu at The River Grille, the restaurant at The Bristol Hotel, before spending the night at Hotel du Vin in the city centre.
It proved to be a very enjoyable combination of good food and comfortable accommodation – and a reminder that you don't necessarily have to travel far from the West Country to enjoy a proper city break.
Dinner at The River Grille, Bristol
The River Grille
occupies a particularly attractive position beside Bristol's historic harbour, within The Bristol Hotel. It is an elegant setting, but the food is what really interested me.
My visit coincided with the launch of the restaurant's new winter menu, created by Executive Head Chef Pawel Mikolajczewski.
There was an emphasis on seasonal cooking and, importantly for a restaurant in this part of the country, on produce from Bristol and the wider West Country.
That regional connection is something I always like to see. It gives a restaurant a sense of place rather than making it feel as though its menu could belong anywhere in Britain.
The River Grille uses local suppliers including Buxton Butchers for its meat, while the cooking combines familiar British ingredients with a touch of French influence.
Brixham scallops and seasonal flavours
I began with pan-seared Brixham scallops, served with a sweet butternut squash purée and a crisp of Parma ham.
It was a good example of what the kitchen was trying to achieve: a relatively simple combination of ingredients, but with contrasting flavours and textures.
The sweetness of the scallops and squash worked particularly well with the salty Parma ham.
There was also a reassuringly seasonal feel to the dish. Brixham is only a short distance away in West Country terms, and I have always thought that seafood is at its best when a restaurant allows the quality of the fish or shellfish to do much of the talking.
Duo of duck à l'orange
For my main course I chose the duo of duck.
This consisted of a confit duck leg alongside half a duck breast à l'orange – a classic French preparation – with Parmesan gnocchi and seasonal green vegetables.
The duck was rich and succulent, while the gnocchi provided a lighter accompaniment than you might expect.
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The whole dish worked because it combined a traditional flavour – duck à l'orange – with a slightly more contemporary presentation.
There was also plenty of food on the plate, which is not always the case when you eat in a smart city-centre restaurant.
Staying at Hotel du Vin Bristol
After dinner we stayed at Hotel du Vin in Bristol city centre.
Location is one of the great advantages of this hotel. Bristol is a city that rewards exploration, and being centrally located means that many of the city's attractions, restaurants, historic buildings and harbour-side sights are within easy reach.
The hotel itself is extremely comfortable and well appointed, with the sort of atmosphere that makes it a pleasant place to return to after a day – or evening – out in the city.
For me, that is an important part of choosing a city hotel. A good location is useful, but you also want somewhere that feels like an enjoyable part of the trip rather than simply somewhere to sleep.
Hotel du Vin certainly provided that.
A very good Bristol breakfast
Breakfast was another highlight.
It was first-class, with good-quality food and attentive service – exactly what you want from a hotel breakfast when you have another day of exploring ahead of you.
And that brings me back to the attraction of Bristol as a short break.
You can arrive, stay somewhere central, enjoy a good dinner, explore the city on foot and then start the following morning with a proper breakfast before heading home.
For someone living in the West Country, that makes Bristol particularly appealing: it feels like a genuine city escape without requiring a long journey.
Is Bristol good for a foodie weekend?
I certainly think so.
Bristol has developed a reputation for having an interesting and increasingly sophisticated food scene, but it hasn't lost its connection with the West Country.
That combination appeals to me.
At The River Grille, for example, I could enjoy Brixham scallops and locally sourced meat alongside cooking influenced by classic French cuisine. Then, with Hotel du Vin providing a comfortable central base, the whole thing became more than simply a restaurant visit.
It became a small city break built around food.
And sometimes those are the best sort of breaks: a good meal, a comfortable bed, a decent breakfast and a city interesting enough to make you want to go out and explore it.
Planning a Bristol food-and-hotel break
The River Grille is at The Bristol Hotel on Prince Street, beside the harbour, while Hotel du Vin is in the city centre at Narrow Lewins Mead.
Both are well placed for exploring central Bristol, making the combination particularly convenient for a short break.
If you're looking for a West Country city break built around good food, comfortable accommodation and plenty to explore on foot, Bristol is well worth considering.
FAQ
Is Bristol a good destination for a foodie weekend?
Yes. Bristol has an increasingly varied food scene, with restaurants ranging from sophisticated city-centre dining to independent cafés, pubs and restaurants, while its location makes it an easy West Country city break.
Where is good to eat in Bristol?
The River Grille at The Bristol Hotel is one option for smart dining in central Bristol, with a menu that makes use of seasonal ingredients and produce from the West Country.
Where is a good place to stay in Bristol?
Hotel du Vin Bristol is a comfortable, centrally located option, making it convenient for exploring the city on foot as well as enjoying its restaurants, harbour and attractions.
Check our post on a wonderful hotel in the Forest of Dean
