The Board Walk - Bristol Food Review
Posted on: 2026-03-29
Our rating:
A vibrant, all-day dining destination in Brunel Square
As waterfront dining goes, The Board Walk located next to SS Great Britain is up there with some of the best spots in Bristol. What once was a cosy café is now a vibrant all-day dining destination, with a luxurious (but accessible) menu, and a stylish terrace for al fresco dining on the harbourside.
It was a real joy to be welcomed to by the team at The Board Walk for the launch of their new restaurant, with rum punch on arrival and a buzzing atmosphere thanks to live music from Rhiannon Paige.
After a handful of introductory talks – which touched on the history of the venue and the diverse range of events they’ve played host to in the past – a generous selection of canapés began to arrive.
From tiny fish and chips and Cajun pork doughballs to a fantastically indulgent truffle macaroni cheese lolly (you read that right), there was no risk of going home hungry. Highlights for me were the arancini served in a tiny treasure chest, and the birria beef taco stand outside, which offered the perfect combination of rich, fresh and spiced flavours in a soft, steaming taco. It was a storming success for The Board Walk’s catering partner Elior.
Some of Bristol’s most recognisable drinks brands were on site exhibiting their wares, with appearances from the likes of 6 O’clock Gin and Bristol Beer Factory; we particularly enjoyed a multi-step coffee tasting with Wogan Coffee!
I have to spend a minute here on the thoughtful presentation of the interiors, which are stylish without falling into the traps that sometimes compromise comfort. The terrace in particular incorporates some noticeable elements of Brunel’s original SS Great Britain design, and makes a beautiful spot to sip an espresso martini while overlooking the sparkling lights of the harbour.
Once we’d had our fill of tacos and canapés, we popped outside for an ice cream from the Marshfield Farm kiosk, and chose a dreamy combination of Bueno Ripple and Clotted Black Vanilla, complete with fudge cubes and flake.
Ultimately, The Board Walk is a fantastic extension of the ss Great Britain, and has its own appeal as a standalone destination for anyone walking by or doing the popular harbourside loop. It’s a tasteful (and tasty) venue that showcases local artists, brings Bristolians together and delivers hearty-yet-modern cuisine, all with a spectacular backdrop.
The Board Walk is open Tuesday to Thursday 8.30am till 5pm, Friday & Saturday 9.30 - 9pm, and Sunday 9.30am till 5pm. To make a reservation, call 07480 409 730.
Article by:
Alys is a full-time copywriter, avid reader and podcast enthusiast currently based in Henleaze. As a recent transplant from the North, she’s keen to explore everything the South West has to offer, but is especially interested in exploring the food, art and culture scene in Bristol.
