The 365 Bristol Guide to Fishponds
Posted on: 20 Mar 2018For some bizarre reason, when it comes to places to visit in Bristol, Fishponds is very rarely at the top of the list. Why it often gets short shrift or overlooked in favour of some of the more well known or popular city spots is something of a puzzler taking into account the eye-popping, eclectic range of shops, establishments and eateries that occupy the area and the main stretch of Fishponds Road itself. Boasting a giddying range of pubs, restaurants, barbers, supermarkets, take-aways, charity shops and parks - mixing generic commercial necessity with a galvanizing, refreshing independent spirit - it can easily take on some of the city's more heavyweight contenders when it comes to variety and choice. Here, then, is our very own guide to some of the shining jewels in Fishponds often unnoticed crown.
Oldbury Court and Snuff Mills
Who'd have thought that, just a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of the city's sprawling metropolis, was this - unquestionably one of the most beautiful parks in, not just Bristol, but the entire country. A vast estate with stunning woodland, riverside paths, children's play facilities and picnic areas, it scope and sheer majestic panoramic sweep cannot be underestimated. Get past the main entrance itself and you're plunged into a mesmerizing, almost Hobbit-like world of magical forest wonder, inviting you into its beguiling realm of trees, rivers, bridges and walkways. If you're lucky, you might even catch sight of the occasional fox, owl, kingfisher, heron or owl. First mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1066, today it's an enchanting, idyllic leisure and recreational area, perfect for family days out; long, meandering walks and a place to get away from the chaos of modern life.
The Cross Hands
Plonked slap-bang in the middle of a fork at the top of Fishponds Road, The Cross Hands easily ranks as one of the best pubs in the area. Friendly staff, a buzzy vibe, top-notch drink and an impressive menu ensure that this boozer is a popular favourite with locals and those further afield. Throw into the mix regular pub quizzes, open mic and games nights and a Sunday roast that's been the talk of the town for some time (early booking is therefore highly recommended), this proud, imposing building is home to one of the best food and drink establishments in the region that - appropriately enough for a pub - like a fine wine, just gets better with age.
Eastville Park
Right at the bottom of Fishponds Road, on the cusp of Stapleton Road, is Eastville Park, a splendid, verdant area of green space and pathways that often gets overlooked in favour of the more popular The Downs and St George's Brandon Hill. As well as being a tremendously impressive park where you can take in some fresh air and explore its prodigious green expanse, it's also home to some of the biggest gigs and festivals on the city's music calendar, boasting Love Saves The Day and Tokyo World as some of its partying incumbents.
Prince's Fish & Chips
What can beat that traditional Brit classic, fish and chips? Exactly, not a lot. And when this seemingly simple UK staple is prepared and dished up with such flair and perfection as it by those batter-coating, chip-chopping, deep-fat frying maestros at Prince's, you'll appreciate how this deceptively easy platter can, in the right hands, elevate it to something genuinely exceptional. Fish, chips, sausages, fishcakes are the go-to staples and most popular take-outs and a broader menu also offers the likes steak and kidney pies, sausage rolls and chicken. Its triumph in the tasting stakes and sheer popularity means it's frequently the victim of its own success, with the queue often snaking out the door as the hungry multitudes wait for their food to be cooked to order. Quite simply, this side of town, there's no chippie to better it.
The Bristol and Bath Railway Path
Just off the beaten track of supermarkets and cul-de-sacs, the Bristol and Bath Railway path is always popular with joggers, cyclists, walkers and those looking for a quick short-cut. Actually linking Temple Meads to Pulteney Bridge in Bath, don't be deceived by its seemingly innocuous, quotidian description, for further adventurous discovery will lead you to an impressive, huge railway tunnel (often atmospherically dark, water dripping from its cavernous walls and ceiling; at once thrillingly awe-inspiring and exhilaratingly foreboding). During the right season you can also pick blackberries sprouting from the bushes. Perfectly positioned to be close enough to civilisation yet refreshingly distanced from it, it ticks all the boxes for that often much-needed get-away stroll.
Cancer Research UK
No main stretch of road would be complete without at least one charity shop. Fishponds Road boasts several (Barnardo's and St Peter's Hospice are also in close proximity), but for my money Cancer Research UK is the best purveyor of second-hand and pre-loved ephemera and accessories. The volunteers are always perky and chatty, the shop is always spotless and, although it's certainly not the biggest charity shop contender in the area, what it lacks in size it makes up for in quality items and price, with most of its wares selling for the truly bargain-basement price of three quid and under. Chances are highly likely that you'll go in for a passing peruse and leave weighed down by an armful of savvy purchases.
Porto Lounge
Lounges have popped up everywhere over the past few years (there are also sites in Totterdown, Keynsham and Yate), and it's easy to see why they're so popular with locals, offering as they do an engaging mix of food and drink all within a convivial, chilled atmosphere with decor consistent across all its branches (stripped wooden floors, chunky wooden tables, the occasional comfy banquette, terracotta colour scheme, a diverse panoply of pics adorning the walls, retro lighting). Coffees, teas, ciders and ales mixed with a good menu that covers all the comfort food-eating bases (brunch, burgers, paninis, tapas) ensures Porto - as, indeed all the Lounges - remains consistently busy all day, every day and a great place to meet up with family and friends.
Snuffy Jack's
Oh, how impossible it is to describe my unfettered ardour for this fine purveyor of intoxicating libations. Snuffy Jack's is Bristol's third micropub that opened back in June last year and has gone from strength to strength, building up a loyal fanbase of enthusiastic quaffers, repeatedly brought back through its doors by, not only the exemplary range of real ales and ciders on offer, but also the cool, buzzy vibe which pervades the place during practically every night of the week. Set up by Navy buddies Johnny Fallon and Dave Sibley, the name of the pub relates to the former head miller of the nearby Snuff Mills. With up to 8 real ales on gravity (local and nationwide), 2 or more changing real ciders, a few canned beers, wine and a few gin varieties, this is a true drinker's mecca, with further enticement provided by 30p off for CAMRA members and students. There's also a quiz the first Wednesday of every month. Food is limited to crisps and pickled onions and pickled eggs, and rightly so - with this much marvellous beer and cider, the less distractions to impede the drinking the better.
B-Bees Craft & Farmer's Market
Between 11am and 3pm on the last Saturday of every month, B-Bees Market in Fishpond's Old Library treats locals to a genuine showcase of regional talent with its Craft and Farmers Markets. A local event for local people might seem like something of a tritely convenient, cliched epithet, but if there's one monthly gig which sums up that ethos it's this one. Brimming with locally made, artisan clothes, handmade items, art and bric-a-brac as well as plenty of delicious fresh farm produce, B-Bees Market - combining a laid back, friendly vibe with the heart, fire and soul of a genuine community project - represents the very best of the area's innovative, artistic streak and independent, neighbourly spirit.
The Spotted Cow
Owned by Punch Taverns, Spotted Cow represents the epitome of the local community boozer. With a clutch of awards under its belt for its impressive floral displays decorated around the pub itself and in its cracking beer garden, there are usually three regular beers being pulled by the congenial staff, including Courage Directors, Butcombe Original and Sharp's Doom Bar. Sports fans can enjoy Sky Sports matches being screened and the weekend sees live music performed by many of the region's top musical talent. Decorated with an intriguing assortment of paraphernalia, there is also a pool table, dartboard and jukebox (oh, and some tropical fish). Their Sunday roasts are served between 12 and 4 and always popular, and you can burn off the mighty meat and veg feast later in the evening by firing up those brain cells with the pub quiz. Friendly, comfortable and always welcoming, Spotted Cow is one of the curiously lesser-known pubs in the area - indeed, the city - that is well worth seeking out.
La Piazza 1
La Piazza is one of my favourite restaurants - Italian or otherwise - in Bristol. Period. Its award-winning food speaks for itself: authentic Italian fare that traverses the traditional gastronomic staples of perfectly made pasta dishes and out-of-this-world pizzas, along with antipasta such as deep-fried calamari; tomato, onion and mozzarella-topped crostini; and a classic selection of cured meats and cheeses. There's also a good range of dishes for vegetarians too and an impressive wine list to wash down any of their consummately cooked, real-deal cuisine. The place is usually packed with diners, enjoying its light, airy environment and lively, buzzing atmos. A slice of Venice or Rome in Bristol, this is the first-rate, authentic flavour of Italy that, once tried, could well become a weekly addition to your culinary calendar.
Have we missed any gems of Fishponds out? Or shall we review your area? Either way, send us a message by clicking here and we'll get on the case!
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Jamie is a writer, blogger, journalist, critic, film fan, soundtrack nerd and all-round Bristolian good egg. He loves the music of Philip Glass, the art of Salvador Dali, the writings of Charles Bukowksi and Hunter S Thompson, the irreverence of Harry Hill, and the timeless, straw-chomping exuberance of The Wurzels. You can sometimes find him railing against a surging tide of passing cyclists, or gorging himself senseless on the Oriental delights of a Cosmos all-you-can-eat buffet.
