The 365 Bristol Guide to Montpelier
Posted on: 19 Sep 2018Montpelier. It's cool, trendy and, according to one of those recently-conducted surveys listings providers love churning out from time to time - actually the Hip Hang-Out Neighbourhood Index - it's the 'hippest' place in the UK. It even beat off competition from our very own, similarly bohemian Stokes Croft.
Actually a thriving creative hotspot since the late 18th century, today it has flourished into a creative community hub. So, armed with its hip street cred, independent spirit and arty inclinations, here's 365Bristol's guide to some of the top spots to check out in Montpelier.
Bell's Diner
1-3 York Road, Bristol, BS6 5QB. Tel. 0117 924 0357
Mediterranean and North African flavours on a hedonistically tastebud-satisfying level, this neighbourhood restaurant is just as popular as it's always been. Superbly crafted meals rub shoulders with exquisite fine dining and, if you're looking for a tasty, pocket-friendly fill-up, try their three-small-plates-for-a-tenner deal. A record player in the corner also spins a selection of customer-selected choons. What's not to love?
Monty’s
60 Bath Buildings, Bristol BS6 5PU. Tel. 0117 329 1955
A more recent addition to the area, Monty's has hit the ground running to become a popular gaff with the community. There's an awesome range of sarnies, waffles, smoothies and gelato dished up throughout the day. For a top and tasty range of cosmopolitan brunches, lunches and tea time treats, this is the place to go.
Marvel at Street Art
Something of an Instagrammer's dream, the streets of Montpelier are adorned with loads of amazing street art for you to gawp at and snap, indubitably livening up the area with a cornucopia of spray can-based creations and reinforcing its creative vibe. Tourist love them too, often thinking many of them are authentic Banksys (They're not.)
Thali Cafe
12 York Road, Bristol, BS6 5QE. Tel. 0117 942 6687
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A genuine Bristol success story to be proud of, Thali Cafe also has restaurants in North Street, Saint Mark's Road and Regents Street. Indian food in a laid back, offbeat environment, much of its success has been based on, not just the magnificent food, but its hugely popular re-usable tiffin tins. Meat and veggie main courses with side dishes, rice and raita accompaniments are always a hit. Comfort food in a cosy, quirky city institution.
Amble along Picton Street
Multi-coloured properties, boutique shops and a myriad street art make up this quirky stretch of road, perfect for a leisurely stroll to soak up its offbeat, groovy atmos.
The Old England
43 Bath Buildings, Bristol, BS6 5PT. Tel. 0117 924 7870
Another popular community pub, this one boasts being the only one in the country with its own full-sized cricket nets (put up by cricketing legend W.G. Grace, no less). Kitted out with two pool tables, table football, Space Invaders, a jukebox, beer terrace, open mic night, regular live music and excellent range of beverages, it's no wonder this is a much-loved, busy boozer.
See the Rainbow Wall in Montpelier Park
As the name suggests, it's a wall. Painted with a multitude of rainbow colours. It will, quite literally, brighten up your day.
The Cadbury
68 Richmond Road, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5EW. Tel. 0117 924 7874
.jpg "The Cadbury Bristol")
The legend, the institution that IS The Cadbury (also known as Cadbury House), this cracking pub and its cavernous environ is massively popular with locals, young professional, students and everyone in between. With a first-class range of cask ales, ciders and other extremely quaffable beverages, there's an eclectic musical combo of dub, latin, reggae, ska, funk and the like plus DJs at the weekend. Their popular Sunday roasts are the perfect hangover cure nommage too.
Oowee Diner
54A Picton St., Bristol, BS6 5QA. Tel. 07387 841931
.jpg "Oowee Bristol")
'Deliciously dirty' is its maxim - and you couldn't get a more perfect description of the awesomely indulgent patty-based, cheese-oozing, bun-encased beasties they serve up here. There's another one in North Street but this is the original (very small) site, but its diminutive size doesn't stop people queuing round the block for their barnstorming burger bad-boy fix. Epic burgers with flavours off-the-scale.
The Bristolian
2 Picton St, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5QA. Tel. 0117 919 2808
This small, independent, popular bistro serves breakfast, lunch and supper dishes alongside an impressive range of teas, coffees and, if you're after something a little stronger, excellent wines and beers. Vegan, vegetarian and free range meat and eggs plus produce from local suppliers also seals its ethical, sustainable credentials. Nice front garden perfect for a drink and people-watch too.
TOP PICKS ON THE EDGE OF MONTPELIER:
The Arts House Cafe
108A Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3RU. Tel. 0117 923 2858
This popular, versatile multi-purpose venue has long been a local fave, nestled snugly in the centre of the bohemian Stokes Croft and offering a platform for the area's musicians, comedians and artists. During the day there's a buzzy cafe vibe offering a range of brunches and Clifton Coffee Roasters coffee, while the evening things shift up a gear for a more restaurant feel with a variety of delicious dinner options. Their Truth Out Cinema events every Monday and Underground Comedy nights once every fortnight draw in big crowds. You can rent the venue for special occasions too.
Crofters Rights
117-119 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3RW. Tel. 0117 231 0079
.jpg "Crofters Rights Bristol")
Now a firm, fixed favourite on the Bristol music scene - hosting everything from comedy, storytelling, punk gigs and experimental noise - Crofters Rights also ranks highly on the awesome food and drink 'ometer too. With a constantly rotating range of 17 cask, keg and draught local and international beers and ciders there's always something guaranteed to quench your gig-going thirst, while Ray's fresh, authentic Neopolitan-style pizzas will soak up the booze. An ever-eclectic range of gigs, first-rate libations and premiere pizzas. What more could you want?
DID YOU KNOW?
Remember Cary Grant? Back in the day when celebrities really were celebrities and not just preening, egocentric, vapid douchebags, Archibald Leach - aka, Cary Grant - ruled the cinematic roost. But the star of such classics as Bringing Up Baby, His Girl Friday and North by Northwest actually lived with his dad and grandmother at 21 Picton Street until 1918 and was something of a young rabble-rouser at Fairfield Grammar School. He went on, obviously, to become one of Hollywood's biggest stars.
Have we missed any gems of Montpelier out? Or shall we review your area? Either way, send us a message by clicking here and we'll get on the case.
Article by:
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.
