Top Five Sweet Treats in Bristol
Posted on: 02 Jan 2017Sarah Starling, Bristol foodie extraordinaire, gives us her pick of the top five sweet treats in Bristol.
.jpg "Sarah Starling - Bristol foodie extraordinaire.")
I think that we’re all now familiar with the lovely Danish concept of hygge; talking time to cultivate cosiness and ease, but have you heard of fika? It’s Swedish and is the name for taking time to stop and have a sweet treat. In my family, we called it elevenses. Even though I’ve long since left home, I have an almost Pavlovian reaction to the clock striking 11. Here’s my top five places (in no particular order) to indulge in fika, or elevenses, or just call it a ‘sweet treat’ any time of day.
Hart's Bakery - Arch 35, Lower Approach Rd, Temple Meads, Bristol, BS1 6QS
Such is my commitment to Harts that I’ve avoided train travel on a Monday because they’re closed then. Located in the arches under the approach to Temple Meads, Hart's Bakery means that if you’re travelling between 7 and 3 on Tuesday to Saturday, never again will you have to travel without a fantastic train picnic. I’m a huge fan of the cinnamon buns, and the raisin and fennel sourdough that’s available on Saturdays, not to mention Laura’s incredible custard tarts. There’s always a wide range of delicious cakes and pastries, all made in house of course, as well as wonderful coffee from Extract Coffee Roasters.
Ahh Toots - 4-8 Glass Arcade, Saint Nicholas Market, Bristol, BS1 1LJ
You can probably predict that any business including a sigh of pleasure in its name is going to be a good one. I love Ahh Toots. On any occasion calling for a celebration cake, Ahh Toots is where I order from. Including, ahem, eight cakes for my wedding. As well as celebration cakes, you can visit their café in St Nick’s Market to order from their phenomenal cake trolley, and either eat in if you’re lucky enough to score a seat, or if not, to take away. My personal favourites are the Lemon and Courgette cake, and the Banana Salt Caramel.
Earthcake - 71 North Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 1ES
Earthcake is a very new kid on the block, and filling a brilliant niche. Earthcake only serve vegan products. Their coconut milk lattes are a revelation! I love their chocolate cake, but everything I’ve tried has been lovely. Definitely not just for vegans!
Swoon Gelato - 31a College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TB
Swoon are located on College Green and have incredibly accommodating opening hours of 10am to 10.30pm, so gelato for breakfast, lunch and dinner is entirely possible. My favourite flavour is pistachio, but as there is an ever-changing selection, it’s best to visit frequently to check this. Swoon also serve a variety of hot drinks, plus hot, freshly made waffles to keep you warm on chilly days!
Woky Ko - Unit 7, CARGO, Wapping Wharf, Gaol Ferry Steps, Bristol, BS1 6WP
Another very new kid on the block, Woky Ko serve predominantly savoury food, and in fact, just serve just one sweet treat; but what a sweet treat it is! Their sweet bao is akin to a delicate doughnut, filled with ice-cream and salt caramel sauce. Prepare to lick your fingers!
Any favourites of yours that we may have missed out? Let us know here.
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Sarah is a writer and blogger, as well as running workshops and teaching. Her passions are food and travel, and you can follow her on Instagram at YesStarling and find her website at www.yesstarling.com .
