Top 10 Places to Go in Clifton Village in Bristol
Posted on: 23 Feb 2015Clifton Village is without doubt the most sensational and beautiful shopping quarter in Bristol. Its wonderful Georgian architectures engulfs you as you walk around the myriad of independent shops and quirky boutiques selling gifts, fashion, furniture, and art.
With its eclectic, colourful and vibrant mix of retailers, cafes, restaurants and pubs, it's retained its distinctive, high-end charm without losing any of its warmth, character and community spirit. Just a few minutes' drive from the hustle an bustle of the city centre and tucked away from the general chaos of city life, Clifton Village is the perfect retreat for a fun, cultured, sophisticated day out.
The Clifton Arcade - housed in a beautiful Victorian building - is home to a raft of shops, including antique collectables, locally handmade gifts, sweet shop and bespoke furniture company. And with Brunel's towering architectural masterpiece, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, only a stone's thrown away, Clifton Village is overflowing with things to do, places to go, venues to eat and drink, enchanting gardens, secret hideaways and wonderful walks.
Clifton Village is brimming with personality, but it always puts people first, and it's this strong community ethos that has been the area's pulsing, beating heart for decades.
Team 365Bristol has a few personal favourite places to frequent in Clifton Village when we're trawling the shops and boutiques amidst the sprawling Georgian splendour. Here are our top 10 Clifton haunts.
Victoria
2 Southleigh Road, Bristol, BS8 2BH - Tel. 0117 974 5675
A cracking Victorian pub next to the Lido, owned by the Dawkins group, that has the genuine heart, warmth and welcome of a proper local. It's a place that knows its clientele and has a fantastic selection of real ales and ciders. There is also a good range of board games to play and magazines to read and typical selection of crisps and bar snacks. Tuesday is quiz night. A proper pub for the drinking connoisseur and those looking for a boozer with oodles of character.
St Vincents
50 The Mall, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4JG - Tel. 0117 973 8846
A truly sophisticated fine dining experience, St Vincents has an impressive range of oysters, lobster and Beluga - and that's just the starters. There's a private dining room upstairs and a brandy and whisky lounge on the second floor, furnished with plush red leather seats and a see-your-reflection-in-it ceiling.
Somerset House
11 Princess Victoria Street, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4BX - Tel. 0117 973 6831
For a genuine slice of class in Clifton, pay a visit to Somerset House. It's a luxurious, extensively refurbished English pub-restaurant that has unsurprisingly established itself as a a Clifton Village favourite. It's cosy, has a great selection of real ales and selection of drinks, and a wonderful seasonal menu that takes in breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Albion
Boyce's Avenue, Clifton Village, Bristol BS8 4AA - Tel. 0117 973 3522
A Grade 2 listed building that dates back to the 17th century, The Albion has everything you'd expect from a village pub. Refurbished in 2005, it boasts a contemporary British menu, real ales, extensive wine list and a courtyard that's perfect for those balmy summer evenings. The venue is a solid staple of Clifton village life, and has been the area's high-water mark for first-class locally produced food and outstanding hospitality.
The Quadrant
2 Princess Victoria Street, Bristol BS8 4BP - Tel. 0117 974 1025
The Quadrant sits in a building that's over a century old, but it's one of the go-to destinations in Clifton Village for a thoroughly contemporary experience of real ales, fine wines and special occasions. Wine aficionados can revel in the fact the wine list is constantly being updated, and there's a selection of tapas on the bar throughout the day.
The Clifton Sausage
7 Portland Street, Bristol, Bristol BS8 4JA - Tel. 0117 9731192
This isn't just your average bangers and mash - this is the Clifton Sausage style bangers and mash. And that means bringing the tradition Brit classic up a notch or twenty, showing old classics can be given a new, invigorating tweak and transformed into rather special gastronomic fare. With its pine tables, atmospheric candles and appealing decor, the menu's impressive and the service is slick, which is why it's one of the premiere foodie destinations for Cliftonites.
The Lido
Oakfield Road, Bristol, City of Bristol BS8 2BJ - Tel. 0117 933 9530
If you're looking to be spoiled and pampered, look no further than The Lido. When it comes to first-class treatment and total tranquil self-indulgence, The Lido spa focuses on tailor made treatments for your needs thorough a specialist consultation. Combine your spa day with a swim in the marvellous heated outdoor pool and holistic treatment for the ultimate relaxation experience. If you're a bit peckish after all that, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and tapas.
New Moon
New Moon, 9 The Mall, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4DP - Tel. 07521 936362
New Moon cafe is the latest addition to Clifton's buzzing food and drink scene. The venue's owner, TK, is a professional chef who has worked all over the world in an impressive range of top restaurants clubs and hotels. Using fresh, seasonal vegetables sourced from local farms and shops they serve up a menu of traditional favourites including Full English Breakfast, tapas, sandwiches, panini, soups, pasta, home made burgers and cakes.
The Mall
66 The Mall, Bristol, BS8 4JG - Tel. 0117 974 5318
The Mall is something of a Clifton institution and, with its tucked-away secret garden and comfy, snug seating areas, it's the perfect venue all year round. They serve great pub food every day, Wednesday is their special Burger Night, their Sunday roasts are one of the culinary highlights of the week, and they have a sensational range of cask ales, continental lagers and ciders. 'nuff said, really.
The White Lion - Avon Gorge Hotel
Sion Hill, Clifton, BS8 4LD - Tel. 0117 973 8955
Whether it's a mid-morning coffee and cake or an afternoon lunch accompanied by a a pint, The White Lion has been a firm favourite with locals and visitors for years. Their terrace - one of the South West's largest - is also notable for having one of the best panoramic views of the Clifton Suspension and the rolling hills of Somerset. The ideal place to relax and unwind with a beverage, cast your worries aside and watch the sun go down.