The Bristol Hotel this week introduces speedy executive lunches in a “bento box” style to its River Grille restaurant, enabling busy guests and local business people to enjoy an express four-course meal for just £10 while enjoying the relaxing sights and sounds of the Harbourside.
The origin of the bento box dates to the 12th century, when the Japanese developed it as a handy way of carrying food to work – bento means “convenient” or “convenience”. Similar concepts subsequently developed in other Asian countries, such as the tiffin box in India.
At The River Grille, the express lunch is presented on a single wooden tray, with a plated main course, plus three smaller side dishes of a cup of soup, a salad bowl and a dessert ramekin. Every course has three options, so that the meal can be tailored to the diner’s own tastes and dietary requirements.
The menu will be changed daily but soups might include tomato and orange, white onion or field mushroom, next to either a superfood, Caesar or mixed leaf salad. Mains could be a grilled herb chicken on citrus cous cous, fillet of salmon, noodle salad with ginger and soy, or grilled halloumi, butternut squash and sweet potato, with either a Bramley apple crumble, a rhubarb trifle or a chocolate mousse to finish.
The express lunch is only being served from Monday to Friday, between 12 noon and 2pm, with pre-booking on 0117 923 0333 recommended in order to avoid disappointment. As all four courses are served at the same time, it’s up to guests to decide how quickly or slowly they enjoy their meal!
The River Grille has its own dedicated entrance on Narrow Quay – providing easy access for those who would also like to incorporate a Harbourside walk during their lunch hour to help blow away the cobwebs.