365Bristol Guide to St George
Posted on: 02 Jun 2018Bristol is brimming with such iconic landmarks, pubs, restaurants and the like, off-the-beaten-track St George probably wouldn't be the first or most immediate place you'd hone in on to visit in the city. But venture a little further East and peel back its deceptively small, low-key facade and St. George, in fact, offers a veritable feast of places to visit and things to see and do. There's so much more to Bristol than just the SS Great Britain, The Downs and a certain mischievous little dog called Gromit, and St George is a fantastic microcosm alternative to the city's always-thriving bevvy of awesome things enjoy. Go on, be brave, check it out.
Just a few miles from the fabulous St George's park (more of that later), and you come to the site of Troopers Hill. You might have to park in an otherwise plain and ordinary residential area, but climb the steep and wonky steps to the top, catch your breath and have it taken away again by the sheer epic majesty of its stunning panorama. A nature reserve overlooking the River Avon, stories abound of its history interspersed with wild plants, rocky crags and two massive, imposing chimneys. Free, unrestricted and one of the best vantage points of anywhere in the city, the view from Troopers Hill is really quite simply gobsmacking. Good spot to watch the balloons during Bristol Balloon Fiesta too.
.jpg "The Lock Up in Bristol")
This Church Road bar and restaurant opened its doors in 2106 and has been packing in locals and those further afield pretty much since it launched, with an enviable reputation for food and drink which belies its relatively humble location. With trade excellent and word of mouth spreading to cement its status as one of the best venues in Bristol, the inspired, inventive menu is paired with a selection of appropriate wines and beers. There's a terrace too for some sunny weather al fresco quaffing (blankets and outdoor heaters on those colder evenings). Booking in advance is essential for this stylish, perpetually popular St George eatery.
A community boozer through and through, this pub also proudly wears its refreshingly quirky and distinctive heart on its sleeve, with graffiti adorning the outside walls and plenty more street art in the back garden. What you see is what you get here, and what you get here, in fact, is a stupendous range of local ales and beers, keeping your whistle so satisfyingly whetted a quick pop-in pint could end up becoming an all-dayer. Live bands belt out the tunes during weekend evenings while their Sunday roasts are a firm fave too. The very essence of a proper Bristol pub.
One of the main attractions of the area, this is a wonderful, stunning Victorian Park full of marvellous greenery, trees, a huge lake and the bewitching enchantment of nature's beauty (as well as the ducks, keep your eye out for the heron too). There's also a children's playground, a skate park and plenty of spots for you to chomp on a picnic when the weather bucks up. A real jewel in the BS5 crown, St George Park is beautiful and beguiling in all winds, weathers and seasons.
Not exactly the kind of place you'd expect to find a cocktail bar but, bucking trend as always in typical Brizzle style, and just off the very residential Whitehall Road you'll find this place. Owned and run by Sam Espensen, its mix of casual quirk, lively atmosphere and top-drawer drinks has made it a locals' favourite. New cocktails are always being unleashed here and several pop-ups have taken up residency providing a showcase for local cheffy talent. Bristol Spirit is the equivalent of a tap room showcasing their own Bristol gin and vodka brand Espensen Spirit, definitely a spot to visit on any trip to East Bristol.
.jpg "The Faraway Tree Cafe in St George")
This family-friendly gaff is perfect for little 'uns and their elders, furbished with colourful painted furniture and a play area where the kids can release some energy while you tuck into your dinner. Talking of which, food here comprises of brunch classics (veggie fry-up, eggs benedict), a hearty selection of yummy sarnies and lunchtimes offerings such as free-range chicken and smoked kedgeree, although gears are often cranked up a notch for more adventurous dishes in the evening.
Artists and performers from the city and beyond join forces for this lively community festival which will be held on Saturday 4th August 2018. Representing the very best of the region's art scene and its fiery independent, creative energy, this neighbourhood celebration hosts craft stalls, bands, DJs, kids activities and, being Bristol of course, loads of awesome graffiti. Bringing everyone in the area together and started and run by locals, Redfest may well be the epitome of all that's great and good about the term 'community spirit'.
Bristol is well known for its premium range of excellent ales and ciders, so it would churlish to miss this one which has plenty of locally made beverages and beers. Comfort food is The Dark Horse's forte too, dishing up a more-than-satisfying plate of pie and mash (pie supplied courtesy of those fine purveyors of crust-encased loveliness, Pieminister), while their Sunday roasts always go down a storm. There are also regular open mic nights to ramp up the lively factor, with a gaggle of local musicians warbling their way through the evening to provide the night's entertainment.
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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.
