My Bristol Food by Ruth Lyons
Posted on: 30 Oct 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 we spoke with Bristol foodie legend, Ruth Lyons.
Who are you?
Hello, I’m Ruth Lyons. I run a social media campaign called Devour Bristol, which is basically a love-in for all things foodie and indie in Bristol. Part of the motivation for the campaign is to help me explore Bristol and get to know this city I now call home, but mostly its because I love food and Bristol has so much to offer! I’m Australian and moved to Bristol from Melbourne with my Bristolian husband just over two years ago. We now have an 18 month old daughter who definitely impacts where and how we eat out.
Where are your most-visited food places in Bristol?
Raj Pavilions in Horfield is my go-to for a local Indian dinner or takeaway. Their Brinjal Bhaji (aubergine) is to die for and the team are so lovely.
The Crazy Fox - definitely my favourite place to grab a coffee on the way to work when I worked in at. They serve a Flat white properly and have smokiest bacon and cheese muffins.
The Lido - It’s the perfect recipe for a beautiful experience. The food is wonderful, the staff are knowledgeable and helpful and the setting is magic.
Where in Bristol has the...
Best Burger : I’m going to say Squeezed, but Asado is a very close second.
Best Sunday Roast : The Duck and Willow over in Downend - their sister pub is The Gloucester Old Spot on Kellaway Acenue in Horfield.
Best Pub/bar : The Drapers Arms located at 447 Gloucester Road.
Best Pizza : La Campagnuola on Zetland Rd. It's a proper old school Italian restaurant has a great atmosphere and is family run.
Best for special occasions : Bulrush at 21 Cotham Road South
Best Brunch
I love Ceres, but can only go there if I’m childfree, so Este Kitchen in Easton wins out on this one. It has great food, style and a friendly atmosphere
Best indie producer/shop/market
Producer: I have recently discovered ‘My Friends Chilli’ at the Tobacco Factory Markets, it’s amazing and takes me straight to Asia.
Market: Tobacco Factory Sunday Market, its just the right size for us and has everything we need. I also love to admire the John Lennon portrait every time we go.
Best for kids
Home from Home is a little treasure. It has restricted opening hours /days, but the kids can run amuck in the fresh air and you can enjoy great coffee and cakes
Any other top foodie tips?
Hit The Streets! Bristol has a street food market on nearly every day of the week. The quality and range of cuisine available is fantastic
If you were the Mayor of Bristol for a day what would you do?
It sounds a bit dull but I’d make sure there were recycling bins at all the market events we have. I just don’t understand why it’s so hard to do.
You’ve got 24 hours in Bristol to show some visitors around. What are you going to do?
We’d start at Stokes Croft with a coffee and check out the street art in the area. Then we’d make our way through the Bearpit and admire the IncrEdible gardens. Onto St Nicks for a small treat from Ahh Toots and a nosey about, and maybe another coffee from Sourced. M-Shed for some history, and lunch at one of the many places at Wapping wharf. We’d then wander around the harbour to walk it off and stop for a few beers at the Grain Barge for sunset to finish off the day.
Next morning we’d get some fresh air on The Downs and admire the Clifton Suspension Bridge from the new Observatory Café.
Where else can we find you?
You can find me on Twitter, on Facebook, and on Instagram.
If you would like to contribute to My Bristol Food email editor@365bristol.com with a line or two introducing yourself!
Article by:
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 .
