86 Whitehall Road in Redfield, previously home to Cafe Des Amis, will be opening to the public as Bristol Spirit from Friday, January 20th. Bristol Spirit is co-founded by Phil Gillies and Sam Espensen, who also co-own Espensen Spirit, producing a range of infused spirits, which is based in St George/Redfield.
From this date, they’ll be open on Thursdays and Fridays from 6-10pm, and on Saturdays from 12-3pm, while from the start of February they’ll also open in the mornings for hot drinks and cake, either to eat in or take away.
Oliver Tidman – previously the owner of Mathilda’s Chilli Bar – will be the resident cook and manager, creating regularly changing, seasonal menus – the launch menu will be Middle Eastern. Bristol Spirit will also be home to a series of ongoing kitchen takeovers featuring all sorts of different food – those interested in running pop-ups should contact Oliver via oliver@espensenspirit.com.
Customers are welcome to visit for food, or just for drinks, which are served with complimentary bar snacks. Booking is advisable, though they will keep some space reserved for drop-ins. To book a table, call them on 0117 939 3552.
On January 14th from 11.30am there will be a launch event in the form of their Bowie Brunch: a menu that starts with chipotle shakshuka with avocado flat breads, plus local bacon for the meat eaters. This will be followed by French toast ice cream sandwiches with a boozy fruit compote, using Espensen Spirit’s very own Gin Genie Blueberry Gin. Tickets are £25.91 each (inc. VAT and booking fee), and include the 2-course lunch and 2 Espensen Spirit drinks. Tickets are available here.