Six exciting new Bristol food and drink venues

We may be heading towards the end of the year, but there are still plenty of new venues to try out before 2016 rolls around. Here are four newly opened places to eat, drink and be merry – plus a couple more to look forward to:

The Old Market Assembly

While some are concerned it will spearhead the gentrification of Old Market, the news that what was once Flamingos night club and the Empire theatre is to be transformed into a new multi functional venue is very exciting.

The Old Market Assembly, due to open on December 1, aims to be many things to many people: a restaurant selling locally sourced food; a bakery serving breads, pastries, cakes and sausage rolls; a bar selling local beers and spirits; and a cafe, too.

And that's not all. This collaborative effort combines the talent behind No.1 Harbourside, The Harbourside Market and The Canteen with the team behind the Wardrobe Theatre, meaning the venue will also have a 100-seater space to host stage performances and live music. Could this be Old Market's mini equivalent to Bedminster's Tobacco Factory?

The Old Market Assembly, 25 West Street, Old Market, Bristol, BS2 0DF

Saffron

Mediterranean kitchen and coffee house Saffron opened at the start of October in Clifton Village.

Established by the same team as the Rubicon cafes in Redland, Saffronserves all-day breakfasts, along with sandwiches, salads and other options with a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influence.

So, alongside a traditional English breakfast, you'll find Spanish tortilla, falafel salad, grilled lamb skewers and shakshouka (eggs poached in tomatoes) - plenty to cater to traditional and more adventurous tastes alike.

Saffron, 4a Boyce's Avenue, Clifton Village, Bristol, BS8 4AA

Aluna

With two successful venues in Birmingham, cocktail bar Aluna has branched out from the Midlands for the first time. Opening with little fanfare at the end of October, Aluna takes over the spot that was previously Thai Edge on the corner of Broad Quay.

Aluna approaches cocktail making as if it were alchemy and sorcery, with its Birmingham bars boasting flamboyant decor to match the inventive menu. While the interior of the Bristol site is less dramatic, the cocktail menu is just as extensive.

Alongside signature drinks (classics like mojitos, cosmos, daiquiris and margheritas) are more unusual cocktails like the apple pie (Bison's Grass vodka, butterscotch schnapps with apple caviar), banoffeerama (caramel sweetened dark rum, dark chocolate and banana liqueur) and a colour changing martini.

Aluna, Unit 4, 12 Broad Quay, Bristol, BS1 4DA

Bellita

 

A photo posted by Bellita Bristol (@bellitabristol) on Nov 5, 2015 at 8:46am PST

Bell's Diner & Bar Rooms (previously just plain old Bell's Diner) in Montpelier emerges as a top destination for foodies, thanks to a fantastic menu that traverses the whole of Europe for inspiration. 

Late in October, the team revealed its 'little beauty' Bellita in Cotham Hill, a venue with a similar ethos to its big sister, where the focus is on relaxed, fun times. 

Drawing inspiration from Spain, North Africa and the Middle East, Bellita's tapas dishes include delights such as burnt aubergine, pepper and onion salad with pomegranates and chilli, Cornish clams cooked in garlic butter with leeks and Pernod, or meat dishes such as spiced chicken pincho with yogurt and harissa. 

Bellita, 34 Cotham Hill, Bristol, BS6 6LA

1847

With burger and barbecue joints all the rage at the moment, it's pleasing to know that vegetarian restaurant 1847 is helping to balance things out. 

Named after the year the vegetarian society formed, 1847 already has branches in Manchester, Brighton and Birmingham. The Bristol site opened at the end of October on St. Stephen's Street, tucked in between Pata Negra and Bagel Boy.

With sophisticated style and a modern menu, 1847 has an interesting selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes. This includes starters like mushroom and walnut pate, pickled quince, smoked butter toast or a main course of 'fish' and chips (ginger ale battered halloumi, triple cooked chips, savoury lemon curd, green pea and basil).

1847, 25 St Stephens Street, Bristol, BS1 1JX

The Firefly

In the summer, the Cafe Lounge in Bradley Stoke celebrated its first anniversary. Even so, perhaps sensing that a dash of individuality would do it no harm, the cafe will be closed from November 15 to undergo a transformation.

After a refit and refurbishment, it hopes to re-open on November 23 as The Firefly. Along with a new look, The Firefly will boast a revamped menu, with handcrafted burgers available in the evening, which you'll now be able to wash down with a beer. Don't worry - you'll still be able to buy breakfasts and lunches like you did before, though. 

The Firefly, 4 Bradley Pavilions, Pear Tree Road, Bradley Stoke, BS32 0BQ

Don't forget, Bristol's own MEATliquor will be opening later in November, too.