My Bristol Food - Rachel Hawkins of Our Rach Blogs
Posted on: 13 Jun 2017In our My Bristol Food series, we talk with some of the most prominent Bristol foodies around to get their take on what makes the city's culinary scene tick and also get their recommendations. This week it's the turn of blogger-extraordinaire, Rachel Hawkins...
First of all, who are you?!
Rachel Hawkins. Born and bred Bristolian; think Vicky Pollard on helium and that’s probably what I sound like.
Where are your most-visited food places in Bristol?
Aquila - I’ve been here too many times to count and always feel well looked after.
Piccolino - one of my son’s firm favourites!
.jpg "My Bristol Food - Rachel Hawkins of Our Rach Blogs - Aquila")
Where in Bristol has the...
Best Burger
YoYo Burger. You’ve enjoyed a few too many spritzers and the hunger pangs have set in with ferociousness. Allow me to direct you to YoYo Burger on Clifton Triangle. Lamb and halloumi. Nuff said.
Best Sunday Roast
Brace and Browns or Nettle & Rye. I’m fussy when it comes to Sunday Roasts, no one will ever make a better Sunday Roast than my dear Mother. However, both Nettle & Rye and Brace & Browns come a close joint second to Mrs H. Top tip; make sure you visit Nettle & Rye as early as possible in the day. I’ve been later (after 3pm) and earlier (before 1pm) and the earlier sitting was far better.
I still think about the Roast Lamb I enjoyed at Brace and Browns for my 30th Birthday quite often, salivating whilst I do so.
Best Pub/bar
The Gold Bar in the new Harbour Hotel on Corn St is a real treat. Great wine.
Aluna is great for something a bit different. I enjoy watching the cocktail makers do their thing whilst sipping a Prosecco or 5.
When it comes to Al Fresco drinking, I defy you to find a better place to drink in the scenery (and your beverage of choice) than Avon Gorge Hotel. Breathtaking.
.jpg "My Bristol Food - Rachel Hawkins of Our Rach Blogs - The Gold Bar at Bristol Harbour Hotel")
Best Pizza
Don Giovanni’s. I am something of a pizza connoisseur, however, I’ve challenged myself to no longer order pizza when I’m in a restaurant, I’m trying to expand my tastes you see. In saying that, Don Giovanni’s is a great little place. Traditional, classic and really good value for money.
.jpg "My Bristol Food - Rachel Hawkins of Our Rach Blogs - Don Giovanni's")
Best for special occasions
The Mint Room is probably one of the nicest restaurants I’ve ever been to in Bristol. Great food and perfect for a Birthday or special occasion.
Cote Brasserie does food very well. Well cooked, well presented and superb waiting staff who are neither too in your face or too aloof. I’ve never had a bad meal here.
Best Brunch
The Lock Up or Rosemarino in Clifton:
I judge a brunch establishment on how they execute their eggs and The Lock Up’s scrambled eggs are a force to be reckoned with. A perfect consistency with a wonderful creamy taste.
Rosemarino in Clifton also deserves a nod here for their homemade baked beans and Bubble and Squeak croquette. Something a little different but a real decent plate of food.
Best indie producer/shop/market
I’m reliably informed the South African butcher in Clifton is spot on for biltong – I believe they’re called Bristol Biltong. As I am not a fan of dry cured beef I’ll have to take my other half’s word for this. He certainly seems a fan.
If you were the Mayor of Bristol for a day what would you do?
- How long have you got? And just a day you say? I want more!
- I'd take a much-needed look at the issue of homelessness in our city. I can't believe that in 2017 we still have so many people who are living on the streets. Something needs to be done and I worry that this issue is not being given the attention it should be
- Clamp down on cyclists who go through red lights without consideration for anyone else. Too many times I’ve had to jump out of their way.
- Take a good look at the public transportation system, namely the bus service. It’s an unfunny joke.
- Fewer traffic lights. Especially around the Temple Meads area. Just unnecessary AND SO DAMN SLOW.
- I’d hope if I was Mayor of Bristol, I’d be able to provide some clarity around the introduction of the Metro Bus. So many Bristolians seem totally unaware of what it is but fully aware of the negative impact it’s had on the centre of Bristol.
.jpg "My Bristol Food - 365Bristol.com")
You’ve got 24 hours in Bristol to show some visitors around. What are you going to do?
If I’m sans child then we’ll probably go on an all-dayer. Start with brunch in one of the aforementioned places to line the stomach, then head into town and see where the mood takes us. YoYo Burger would probably see me stumble through their doors once I’ve had more than my fair share.
Booze and debauchery aside, there are so many different things to do in our wonderful city. Personally, I like going on long walks, especially in and around Clifton. I’ve lived in Bristol all my life, but every time I walk past Clifton Suspension Bridge, I still get goosebumps.
Where else can we find you?
Or you can head to my website ourrachblogs.com where I often write about anything and everything. But be warned; it’s sweary!
Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
