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Isn’t it nice to have genuine summer weather in Bristol this year! I don’t know about you, but we’ve fired up the BBQ a few times, and we’ve probably consumed more ice cream and iced coffees than strictly necessary…
This warmer weather is also a great chance to make the most of the plethora of restaurants and pubs with beautiful outdoor space that Bristol has to offer. The Met Office is predicting temperatures above 20 degrees for the foreseeable future – so here are five venues with delicious food and a beautiful outdoor dining space that you might be up for booking this summer…
1. Lido Spa and Restaurant
With its downstairs bar and upstairs restaurant both overlooking the crystal clear waters of its outdoor pool, Lido Spa and Restaurant gives off the vibe of being somewhere in the Med, rather than tucked away in a residential street in Clifton. Opt for a sharing platter in the poolside bar or the a la carte menu upstairs – and don’t forget to check out their swim and dine packages if you fancy a dip before eating.
2. Riverstation
It’s been a while since I reviewed Riverstation, but I still maintain that it has one of the best al fresco dining spaces in Bristol. Right beside the water in the city centre, Riverstation’s terrace gets booked up FAST during the summer – and it’s easy to see why.
The bar menu includes Riverstation’s take on bar classics, as well as small plates to share – and seafood platters that are the perfect dish to enjoy beside the water.
3. Turtle Bay
OK, so it may not be right beside the water, as the previous two recommendations are. But Turtle Bay on Broad Quay in the city centre isn’t that far away – you can still watch the Bristol Ferries come in while you’re dining or drinking on their terrace.
When it’s hot and sunny – especially when one of Bristol’s many festivals is on – Turtle Bay is a great place to sit outside and soak up the atmosphere. With regular cocktail offers and plentiful Caribbean food on offer, it’s a place with a great summer vibe that’s also pretty conveniently located.
If you’re looking to book one of my five summer dining spots, SquareMeal is a great place to book. With restaurant reviews, promotions and a rewards programme, plus plenty more, SquareMeal offers everything you need to eat, meet or celebrate in Bristol and beyond. Â
4. CARGO/Wapping Wharf
You’re spoilt for choice at Wapping Wharf when it comes to food and drink, with the likes of Salt & Malt, Seven Lucky Gods, Cargo Cantina, The Athenian, Root and others all vying for your attention. With the lights in the trees and the buzzing outdoor seating areas, Wapping Wharf has an almost Parisian café vibe to the place.
Dine on one of the restaurants’ outdoor terraces, or get food to take away and eat it next to the river – the choice is yours!
5. The Curious Kitchen
Located within the Aztec Hotel & Spa, The Curious Kitchen’s menu is all about pushing the boundaries of classic dishes. There’s plenty of curing, pickling, preserving and smoking going on in the kitchen – and this is shared with the public both via the menu, and through masterclasses which take place on Saturdays.
In addition to the restaurant itself, there’s a great outdoor dining area beside the hotel’s pond, giving you the perfect place to soak up the summer sun.
Where are your favourite summer dining venues in Bristol?