As we’ve mentioned ad infinitum we were at The Pitch 2013 last week in Bristol, to get investment for BBS, fingers crossed. As a result we awarded some places BBS Ticks of recommendation. Theses are based on accessibility, facilities & of course style (see here for a full explanation of the Rating System). They all had disabled toilets and good access and the Ticks went to:
Piccolino 2.5 BBS Ticks – darkly cool with club inspired music & Italian food; Harvey Nichols 2nd Floor 2.5 BBS Ticks – chic, stylish with award winning food; and Bordeaux Quay – large, rustic but not much atmosphere on a Tuesday, 2.5 BBS Ticks (maybe a bit over generous as disabled loo needs smartening up & food not outstanding; more a 2BBS Tick place). Out of the three Harvey Nichols stood out and is a potential 3 BBS Tick place until we try the food. If anyone agrees or disagrees contact us here.
In addition, thanks to a trendy chap who’s in the know and who works at Bristol Pound – yes they have their own currency – we were told of some other trendy places to go. These were Bravas, Flinty Red, The Arnolfini, The River Cottage Canteen, Greens, The Canteen & Cafe kino. So not having time to see all of them we’ve provisionally rated i.e. not audited them, and here’s what they said re their accessibility & facilities:
Bravas – Is a tapas bar and restaurant which takes ‘walk ins’ at the bar – not easy for some of us! Not too expensive with an interesting menu. In the up & coming scruffy/trendier part of Clifton at Cotham Hill. They haven’t come back to us on their accessibility or otherwise so at this time we can’t rate them. They at least get 1BBS Tick for style.
Flinty Red – also in Cotham Hill. The Independent gave it a glowing review as a reasonably priced restaurant that had a ‘happy’ atmosphere. They were awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for 2013. The access has 2 steps to get in and it’s too small for a disabled toilet so it gets 2 BBS Ticks, with a high score on Style.
Greens Restaurant in the Redland area of Bristol also has a 2013 Michelin Bib Gourmand and is again small with 2 steps to access and no disabled toilet. However it is highly recommended for food and the ambience is again stylish. They get 2 BBS Ticks.
The Arnolfini – is an arts centre with a trendy cafe in the regenerated docks area of Bristol. They serve an all day brunch and tapas and have a licensed bar. All areas are accessible and they even describe their access on their website. There are lifts to all floors and there are disabled toilets on all floors. They get 2.5 BBS Ticks.
River Cottage Canteen – in the shopping area of Clifton, Whiteladies Rd., was again highly recommended to me. It’s one of the Canteens that form part of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s RC empire, of Channel4 fame. Obviously all the food is organic and locally sourced. Although it’s a Grade II Listed Building it has a ramp over the small 2/3 steps to get in and a disabled toilet. Well done and they get 2.5 BBS Ticks.
The Canteen – in Stokes Croft, is uber trendy in a shabby chic, ‘right on’ way. It has music, food, drink & events. It’s fully accessible with a disabled toilet and exists in the belly of Hamilton House, which was a derelict 60’s office block. It’s now home to a ‘community’ and there’s also a 30ft Mural of Jesus breakdancing in the courtyard??? They also get 2.5 BBS Ticks.
Cafe Kino – is a workers co-operative in Stokes Croft which serves good wholesome food and is accessible with a disabled toilet. Unfortunately the downstairs is not accessible where they have music & films. Still trendy though and they get 2 BBS Ticks.
If anyone has been to any of these let us know what you think by using the contact us button or Submit a Review and you will get published.
So that was Bristol and it wore me out for the rest of the week but that didn’t stop me visiting Balcon at the Sofitel Hotel in London’s Pall Mall, what a treat. The St. James’s Bar is based on Coco Chanel’s Paris apartment and is a small bar just off the main reception of the hotel. It’s expensive but worth a visit even if for just a quick cocktail. I could easily have stayed the whole afternoon in it’s stylish opulence. It gets my vote as it’s easily accessible but stick walkers beware of the plush carpets. There’s also a disabled toilet. A full 3 BBS Ticks from me!!
I’m now totally exhausted just remembering all this. See you next week after a visit up the M1 to Leicester – don’t ask!!