Seeing as its a cold and wet, disgusting day here in Bristol we thought we would take a ‘Virtual stroll’ down Gloucester Rd and sample the range off food available in a very diverse collection of eateries.
Now we might not mention every Cafe and Restaurant but I hope we can give you a flavour of what’s on Offer.
We are gonna walk past Fish and chip shops, Chain restaurants, Kebab Houses and anywhere that doesn’t offer some thing out of the ordinary.
There was a time, many years ago when a walk ‘up’ Gloucester Rd after the pubs had kicked out (remember closing time was 10.30pm) wasn’t complete without a stop at the ‘Sun Valley’ one of the few paces in Bristol that was open late at night. You would find it packed out with drinkers all trying to soak up the beer with a huge mixed grill or a Sun Valley Kebab with Garlic salad.
However, on our imaginary stroll, we are starting at the top, Just a little way up from the Junction with Ashley Down Rd. It’s a lovely sunny day, the birds are singing and surprisingly, there is very little traffic on the road. (Pretend its Sunday Morning and all the restaurants are open) and there is some available parking.
Getting in to Bristol from home is a bit of a chore so we need a quick drink to perk us up.
The walk down Gloucester Rd will require some crossing and recrossing the road, so be mindful of traffic.
The Drapers Arms:
Isn’t a restaurant or Cafe it’s a small Pub which doesn’t look very attractive from outside but looks can be deceiving. It is next to Jeans Bistro and you can carry beer in to jeans from the Draper, or just have a drink there before. going into Jeans.
I’ve blogged about this Thai restaurant several times before. It is consistently good and very popular, so booking is essential but be warned, the tables out the back aren’t as good, it can get cold and the atmosphere is a bit lacking. This is a BYO but they will charge you corkage at £2.50 per person.
I’ve blogged about this place before and its not one of my favourite venues but it seems popular and has a loyal following locally.
Bushra Lounge:
Claims to be a Breakfast Turkish Restaurant that offers Halal food and a separate ‘Shisha’ Garden, though I’m not a big fan of Shisha Pipes
Burra Cafe:
Offers some interesting Breakfast Options some of which would appeal to my Girls.
I’ve eaten here on many occasion’s so you can look it up in my Breakfast Blog. It was always consistently good for a ‘Full English’ if I remember rightly, but I haven’t visited in quite a while.
Janes Asian Seafood:
This is a place Ive tried to book on several occasions and so far, I’ve been unsuccessful. I think its owned and run by the same people who run Janes Bistro further up the road. I will eventually get there.
Per Kor:
A Korean Restaurant. I know nothing about Korean food so I’m keen to try. It always looks nice inside.
The Persian Food Station:
Again Im not up on my Persian food (Iranian) though I did have a friend who was Persian and he did cook for us on several occasions, but that was back in the 1970’s so my memory is a bit vague. I remember we used to challenge each other to eat raw chillies. But that shouldn’t reflect on Persian food.
Is a very popular Chain which I’ve blogged about before. I used to love the one in Cotham Hill but that was primarily because it was full of students on a Sunday Morning and had a great Buzz. Sadly they closed that one down, though I dont know why?
The Deck:
Hungarian Restaurant where ive eaten Breakfast. (See Blog). They offer some quirky Breakfast Options as well as a variation on a Full English. A Bit bohemian inside.
Three years ago I slaughtered this place in a Review (it has been seen by thousands on Trip Advisor) but I’m hoping it has improved and should I go back again (if they dont recognise me) I’m hoping it will fare better. Typical English Cafe Menu.
Pinkman Cafe:
Looks like Coffee and Pastries with the odd Bacon Brioche bap thrown in. Not some where I’ve tried.
Burger Guys:
Ok so some times all you want is Burger and Chips but we decided to keep going?
Then we had a bit of a walk till we got to the next food stop. (Traffic was getting busier this morning) and Jaki started getting distracted and kept venturing into various shops.
Fed313:
Described as a ‘Quaint down to earth eatery ‘offering Baked goods, Cakes , Salads and Sandwiches plus Coffee.
The Hideout:
This place offers Cocktails as well as Falafel, some thing that is very popular on Gloucester Rd. A Mediterranean Breakfast plate, Shakshuka, a Maghreb [North West Africa] dish of Eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, olive oil, peppers, onion, and garlic, commonly spiced with cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper. Laksa [Laksa is a spicy noodle dish popular in Southeast Asia]. As well as a full English. Dont get this confused with The Hide out Lounge in Tortworth (see blog 13/10/21).
Wusar:
Sadly this venue seems to have closed.sept 2023.
Turkish Restaurant. Bit of a mixed identity in this place. They offered Greek dishes, English Items as well as Turkish Coffee and Raki, my old nemesis from my days drinking with cousin John in Crete.
Avana Lounge:
Yet another Shisha Bar offering Coffee and Cakes with some covered outdoor seating.
Boston Tea Party:
Used to be a favourite when I visited Exeter and I’ve had a Sunday Breakfast in the cafe in Stokes Croft, but its all the same so maybe not as exciting as it once was?
Pizzarova:
Is a Pizza place which looks clean and fresh inside, but it just a Pizza joint and Jaki quickly brushed it aside.
Bana Desert:
Is a little Dessert shop where you can get a take away snack Like Baklava, Milk Cake or a Chocolate Waffle, if your still hungry and want to eat on the move.
Joes Bakery:
If you want Bread, they have bread but you can also get minced pies, Croissants, and of course, Sausage rolls. Yum.
Lona Grill:
And Juice House, offers a variety of menu options from Baba Ghannouj, Shish Taouk [or Shish Tawook] which is a marinated chicken shish kebab of Ottoman origin. They also offer a mixed grill and Burger and Chips.
Perfecto:
This is a specialist Coffee house.
Cafe Dream:
They offer. Sandwiches, Burgers Jacket Potatoes as well as a Breakfast menu including a Full English which looks great on their web site and a Brunch menu. With an outside deck you can watch the world go by and have a Fat Boys. Sadly Jaki was in no mood for Bacon.
Sidney and Eden:
I think they are fairly new as I dont recognise them and I’ve walked this route several times this year. they offer some very sophisticated cocktails and drinks in what looks like and interesting environment. This had Jakis attention.
Devs Kerala:
A BYO where they serve Kerala and Punjabi dishes. Masaa Dosa, Mutton rolls, Medu Vada [ a South Indian breakfast snack made from Vigna mungo. It is usually made in a doughnut shape, with a crispy exterior and soft interior]. Fish Cutlet and a Cabbage and Carrot Thoran [Northern Kerala] is a class of dry vegetable dishes combined with coconut that originated in the Indian state of Kerala. This common dish is usually eaten with rice and curry].
Then you have yourself another walk (this area is knownlocally as Pig Stye Hill) past the Buddhist Centre to the next eating venue.
World Peace Cafe:
Where you can enjoy some Vegan food in between meditation session’s. Vegetable Tagines & Dhal and Rice vie for attention between the Vegan Cherry Bakewell and a rather interesting looking Haveregrynskugle [Oat balls] a traditional Danish Christmas treat.
Bomba Tapas:
Does what it says on the Tin. Offers Tapas and judging by the reviews I’ve read, they seem to be rather good. Opened in July 2023 so this place is still finding its feet and they were still advertising for a chef at date of writing ‘to serve mouth watering Tapas dishes and great Cocktails.’ Let’s hope they find one and it lives up to expectations?
Go Go Lounge:
Mediterranean Charcoal restaurant. Meze, Lamb Ribs, kebabs, Chops, this is a meat eaters menu though they do offer some interesting sides including Okra stew and Faoulia [white beans in tomato sauce]. We used to have a programe on TV in the 60’s called ‘Disc’s a Gogo’ anyone remember that?
Street Wok:
Thai Dishes including Pad Thai (and a Vegan version) and a Vegan Penang Curry. We ate in a very similar venue to this in Bath and If I remember rightly, we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Theres then a barren patch where the eateries thin out. There are a few pubs, the Grace and the Native vine where you can get some unusual wines and Ciders. But Jaki got a bit nostalgic about here. She used to work in an Estate Agents on the corner of Somerville Rd so it brought back memories.
Vegan Indian:
Vegan Curries and lots of them. From Tandoori to vegan House specials. There are some meat options, Mango Chicken and Lamb but everything else, Bread, Rice and side dishes, are all Vegan.
Yuri Bar:
A quick cocktail, perked us up no end and we were off again. Check out the Vegan Teriyaki Burger.
Salkaara Street:
Another Indian restaurant offering a selection of favourites plus some interesting additions. I’ve never heard of Bhelpuri a savoury snack originally from India, and it is also a type of chaat. It is made of puffed rice, like Rice Crispies, vegetables and a tangy tamarind sauce, and has a crunchy texture.
Nectar HouseCafe:
The menu seemed to be separated into Breakfast ( till 10 am) which included the Meaty Fry Up with sautéed Kale. A Veggie Fry up. Stuff on Toast and they also offered Brekkies and Sarnies. ‘Stacks and Stuff’. And a Brunch menu from 10am.
La Fiorentina:
Italian Restaurant with some unusual Pizza’s and lots of Pasta dishes. Outdoor seating on the Gloucester Rd,
Tin-can Coffee co:
Not really a Cafe more a Coffee bar with a selection of Hot Chocolate and snacks. But, you know a change is as good as a rest.
El Colmado:
A Spanish Deli and Tapas Bar. Croquettes, Manchego Cheese,Chorizo, Padron Peppers and Salted Almonds. Plus a selection of Olive Oil are just some of the items on offer.
Then there was another bit of a walk with a few interesting independent shops to window shop before coming to.
Bristanbul:
Think Baklava. Think Sweet sticky things. Think Turkish Coffee. Plus, Gözleme a savoury Turkish stuffed turnover. The dough is usually unleavened, and made only with flour, salt and water, but Gözleme can be made from yeast dough as well. It is similar to Bazlama, but is lightly brushed with butter or oil].
Another walk now passing Parsons Bakery and the ever busy Co-op. Scoopaways where you can get things in bulk without it being wrapped in loads of Plastic. Then we needed to cross the road again to visit one of the best Falafel places in Bristol.
Jack the Falafel:
A quirky little Vegan Cafe that has a limited menu but what they do, they do well. Salads, Jack fruit Burrito, Falafel Flatbread, Jack Fruit Curry, plus a whole range of sweet options. Get Healthy, get Jacked.
I would stay on this side of the road now and avoid Miss Millies but you will have to cross over to visit.
La Ruca:
A Family Friendly ( Veggie/Vegan) ‘day time’ Cafe that serves Global Food much of it with a Chilean, Hispanic Influence. Enchiladas, Quesadillas, and Falafel. Reviews are consistently good.
The next stretch had a few Bars, Chance & Counters which does offer some food and the famous Hob Goblin a down to earth pub which offers huge Burgers with Fries and Chicken wings, but unless you really want that sort of grub, cross the road where you will find.
Pizzucci:
An Italian Pizza Restaurant. Now Jaki isn’t a great lover of Pizza and I’m not a lover of Pasta so this wouldn’t be a stop we would usually make but it might be right up your street. I have to say the Pizzas did look good.
Cross over yet again because you dont want to miss.
Eat a Pitta:
This tiny looking Falafel restaurant with a small seating area up stairs is always busy and the queue often stretches out the door, round the corner and up Overton Rd. The falafel recipe originates from the back streets of Algiers and is 70 years old. A great little menu packed full of healthy ingredients.
Simply Thai:
A very simple and rustic BYO Thai Restaurant offering all our Thai favourites, except a Tuk Tuk Ride home.
Then its a dash across the road to sample.
Ezo Cafe Lounge:
Yet another Turkish Restaurant with a large covered deck and an open kitchen so you can watch your food being cooked.They offer a Turkish breakfast of feta, village cheese, Kashar Cheese, olives, jam, honey, Tahin Pekmez, tomato, cucumber and salami. Served with a bread bowl. Menemen. including Tomatoes, peppers, garlic, spring onion all pan sauted and seed with eggs and bread. Further down the menu there is a Bacon Breakfast which strangely is served with cucumber slices?
Ramen Ya:
A small snug venue with hanging Japanese lantern’s offering Ramen steamed buns and other traditional Japanese foods. Certainly some different options on the menu here.
There were a string of little shops which included The Food shop a small well stocked Deli, Joes Bakery, stacked with delicious bread and offering a few take away options. Before we arrived at’
The Dough Kitchen:
Not advertised as a Pizza restaurant or an Italian but they do offer a range of dough based dishes like Subs which are; – dough stretched into a Sub to create a soft Ciabatta style bread spread with butter then stuffed with different fillings. If you like it, you can even buy their dough to take home and make your own meals. Jaki would hate this (doesn’t like bread, doesn’t like Pizza) so she wants to rush on by to……..
Palomar:
A Fish and Seafood restaurant that also offers Steak wine and cocktails. Palomar Fish Pie, Pan Fried Cornish Sole or, Spanish Arroz Negro’ Chargrilled Octopus tentacles cooked in Squid ink, black Rice and Saffron Alioli. I’m gonna have trouble getting her out of here!
Seoul Gaja:
Korean restaurant. Again I know nothing about this type of food but the menu is on line so you can look in awe at dishes with names like. La Galbi Dubbap. [Beef rib marinated in Soy Sauce] and Pork Bulgogi [Pork in BBQ Chilli Sauce]. The Menu is really helpful as it tells you quite clearly what all the dishes are, I really want to try this one.
Areeshaz Dessert Cafe:
Inside it looks a bit like an old 1950’s American Diner, like the Fonz used to hang out in. Ice cream, Fudge, Chocolate and Toffee are all interchanged in a swirl of colours and flavours I know a small Boy that would love this place. Oh, and a Sister too!
As we neared the end of our walk we were both knackered and stuffed to the Gill’s, what we needed was a sit down and relax .
Future Leap:
I’ve eaten here in the past and it was a bit confusing. It’s a cross between a Hot desk Office and a Cafe. There were lots of people networking at the low coffee tables. Having meetings in the private back room whilst other were working on their lap tops, sipping coffee and eating sandwiches and pastries. It had a pleasant buzz but I dont think this is some where I would chose to eat. It was too work orientated. Its a big space though and will suit many people.
That took us to the end of our virtual Journey down Gloucester road. At this point it joins Cheltenham Rd which in itself has a whole host of fantastic eateries on offer. I hope it has inspired you to get your walking shoes on and go try these places for yourselves.
If Jaki is up to it, I may take her on a virtual stroll along Cheltenham Road and into the famous (or is it notorious) Stokes Croft area of Bristol before the end of the Summer.
Those of you that follow my Fat Boys Breakfast Blog will know some of the venues in Stokes Croft but there are always new and interesting developments and some fantastic old favourites.
I hope you will come with us next time?
Now, where is that bus pass?
NB: I have highlighted my Must try venues, One Kerelan that my friends Dot and Ann recommend and the Korean, simply because its different. But I have also highlighted Areeshaz Desserts as Im sure a young Blake would love a trip there with his Grandad?
In search of a great Breakfast 
If I can get a visa from the tafia government to cross the border I would love to join you at any of the Korean joints…..in my working days I spent some time at the Hyaundi shipyard in Ulsan….