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 Bristol's best kept wine secret |
9 Culver Street Bristol BS1 5DL United Kingdom +44 117 921 4146 http://www.averys.com |
At last - a wine cellar you can go into without feeling intimidated! Averys manages to retain an unstuffy and informal air, thanks mainly to being situated on busy Park Street, which has meant that the staff are well-used to humouring clueless punters who've wandered in for a browse! The lack of any kind of rarefied atmosphere is refreshing and they are genuinely helpful - it's tailored for those who aren't quite connoisseurs (although these can easily be accommodated here) but still like a nice glass of red or white with their supper every so often. The historic cellars (access through the shop) boast over 1,000 wines, plus port and champagnes, the majority of which are very reasonable. The sheer size of the place is slightly overwhelming, but their free information booklet helps you to know your way around. Always check their bin-end buckets - there're usually some great bargains to be found. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Cafe and shop with a chocolate theme |
19 The Mall Clifton Village Bristol BS8 4JG United Kingdom +44 117 974 7000 |
Visit this temple to all things chocolatey and you'll think you've died and gone to chocolate heaven! Owned by a local chocolatier, who supplies Fortnum and Mason in London amongst others, all the chocolates for sale are handmade locally. The range is exquisite, with flavours including burnt sugar and rum, and champagne cream truffle. There are also chocolatey cakes, which can be taken away or eaten in. You can get various coffees, teas and cold drinks here, but why would you want to when there's house white or dark hot chocolate (£1.80 small/£2.90 large). If further proof were needed that the owners are chocolate- mad, just look at the thought for the day above the counter, which reads "Gooey, chocolate, yum, good!". Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Over 44 different types of delicious bread |
45 Gloucester Road Bishopston Bristol BS7 8AD United Kingdom +44 117 942 1654 |
Paradise for those who love the smell of freshly-baked bread! This small shop is packed with bread of all different shapes, sizes and types - they are so popular that queues out onto the pavement aren't uncommon. There are traditional white/wholemeal loaves, either organic or otherwise, as well as French sticks, ciabatta, rolls, baps and crusty cobs (never heard of the last two - just ask!). But best of all, and why the place is always busy, are the specialty breads, including mushroom and rosemary, sun-dried tomato and green or black olive. Absolutely delicious. It's also one of the few places to stock 100 per cent rye bread and Irish soda bread. Those with more of a sweet tooth should try the cakes too - dough nuts, iced buns, carrot cake, shortbread, tea cakes and flapjack. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Everything for the home brewer |
Gloucester Road Bristol BS7 8AR United Kingdom +44 117 942 7923 |
If you'd rather do-it-yourself than visit the nearest off-licence, this is the place to go. Everything you could ever need for home brewing is here - fermentation vessels such as demi-johns and vats, hydrometers, thermometers, a large variety of yeasts, sterilization equipment, dried flowers (e.g. elderflower and coltsfoot) for country wines, dried hops, empty bottles, labels and corks and corking devices. The staff know pretty much everything there is to know about the art - did you know you could make wine out of Wheetabix! - and are happy to advise you, whether you're a beginner or have amassed your own personal cellar of home-made tipple. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The south west's biggest stockist of Asian foods |
78-82 St Marks Road Easton Bristol BS5 6JH United Kingdom +44 117 951 2257 http://www.sweetmart.co.uk |
This large ethnic store sells an amazing array of Asian, Middle Eastern and African foods and is the place to come for those elusive and exotic ingredients that you won't find at your local supermarket - such as spices, herbs, cooking sauces, pastes, coconut products, lentils, nuts, rice, flours, halal food, breads and oils. They also offer a wide range of Indian sweets - hence the name. It's a great place to browse as well, providing an education about food in itself — Pomegranate Molasses anyone? They now have their own web site, offering all the products in the store, packed and delivered to your home plus some great cooking ideas - look up those unfamiliar ingredients, find the recipes containing them, then go along to the store or order from the web site and try them for yourself. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Award winning appetizers |
121 Whiteladies Road Clifton Bristol BS8 2PL United Kingdom +44 117 970 6565 http://www.chandosdeli.com |
With almost as many awards under its belt as varieties of goods, this patisserie and delicatessen boasts entirely natural and organic treats to delight foodies everywhere. Particularly recommended is the Hobbs House bread - winner of the Organic Food Award 1998 - and the selection of organic cheeses (from £12.94 to £32 a kilogramme). There's also freshly roasted coffee, pure fruit juices, salami and hams, oils and vinegars, local handmade chocolates and a range of fantastic sandwiches - these get snapped up quickly so get there early if you're after a takeaway lunch. They have a particularly good range of Italian foods, including prosciutto, a range by Antonio Carluccio and Italian wines. They might be pricey, but everything's so tasty it's worth it. There are also two other branches - in Clifton Village, at 6 Princess Victoria Street and in Henleaze, at 97 Henleaze Road. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Juan Villamota  |
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Wonderful wine cellars for connoisseurs |
22 The Mall Clifton Village Bristol BS8 4DS United Kingdom +44 117 973 0287 |
Recommended by the Which Wine Guide, this independent wine merchant is one for the connoisseurs amongst you. Housed in a wonderful, old Georgian hotel (circa 1777) built by Francis Howard Greenaway, it spans five storeys, so as you can imagine, there's plenty of choice. Both red and white wine of numerous countries are represented and available for sale by the case (special offers include mixed cases of various wines from different countries) or the bottle. Bottles start at 13 pounds, and there are also many half bottles and miniatures, plus a selection of spirits. The perfect accompaniment comes in the shape of fine cigars, also on sale. Local delivery is free, as is all the wine-related advice - they really know their stuff here. Wine tasting evenings are held monthly, ask for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alex Ellis |
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Halal takeaway offering delicious curries |
73 St Marks Road Easton Bristol BS5 6HX United Kingdom +44 117 952 1749 |
Exotica is part of the Sweet Mart's (the large ethnic supermarket across the road) growing empire - and offers takeaway Indian food. Vegetarians can choose from 10 different curries (courgette and aubergine to matar paneer) and 10 snacks, such as pakoras, samosas and onion bhajis, for example. Meat eaters are well catered for too however, with a choice of ten halal dishes, such as lamb vindaloo and chicken korma, along with halal snacks like lamb kebabs and chicken tikka. Rice and breads are sold as accompaniments and there are some delicious sweetmeats and kulfi for dessert. Prices are very reasonable - they can be sold hot to eat immediately, or cold to take home and heat up. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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All natural and mostly organic |
11 Gloucestar Road Horfield Bristol BS7 8AA United Kingdom +44 (0)117 942 5997 http://www.harvest-bristol.coo... |
If junk food is anathema to you, or if you have a particular dietary requirement (wheat-free or gluten-free for example), this small shop is the place to come. It's crammed with dried and tinned organic and natural foodstuffs, eco-friendly household and baby products, soya products, aromatherapy oils and herbal remedies, a good selection of dried herbs, organic dairy produce and very importantly—information about local, national and global conservation concerns. It also sells the best carrot cake in Bristol! The shop itself has very narrow aisles, making access practically impossible for wheelchair users, but the staff are helpful and knowledgeable, and the information on offer makes Harvest a useful resource centre for those into wholefoods and the conservation-minded.This shop has another outlet at Walcot street in Bath. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A healthier way of life |
83 The Horsefair Broadmead Bristol BS1 3JP United Kingdom +44 117 929 3170 |
If you've got a cold and need some vitamin C, head here, to the nation's most accessible healthfood shop - they've got plenty of natural remedies, vitamin supplements, tablets and capsules for a whole range of conditions, deficiencies and remedial therapies. They also sell aromatherapy oils for massages and treatments for hair such as tea-tree oil. You can get some great health foods here too - soya milks, nuts and grains, dried fruit, frozen veggie sausages/burgers and a good range of snacks that are healthier than your average packet of crisps or chocolate bar. There are other branches at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway and Clifton Down Shopping Centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Large supermarket chain |
Winterstoke Road Ashton Bristol BS3 2NS United Kingdom http://www.sainsburys.co.uk |
Strange but true - a kind of supermarket hierarchy exists in England, with ultra-posh Waitrose being at the top and Sainsbury's coming approximately second! It's all to do with branding of course, plus the number of exotic and deli-like items the stores sell, and Sainsbury's scores particularly well by this criteria. Along with all the household products, toiletries and tinned food you'd expect, there is a fresh fish counter and meat and delicatessen section, offering a range of cheeses, cold meats, bacon and sausages etc. There's also an in-store bakery and a comprehensive wine and spirits section. They are constantly expanding their organic range of foods and have in fact won awards for their selection. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fascinating shop for cooking enthusiasts |
167 Whiteladies Road Clifton Bristol BS8 2SQ United Kingdom |
This place is an absolute treasure-trove for anyone who likes to cook. It's packed full of every gadget you can think of that's connected to the culinary art - saucepans, casserole dishes, roasting dishes, steamer sets, Moulinex graters, Magimix food processors, cutlery sets, pestle and mortars, kettles etc. - and this is just the first floor! On the lower floor, there's a large selection of cookery books plus icing sets, cake decorations and moulds for expert baking. Even if you hate cooking but fancy yourself as a bit of a gourmet when it comes to actually eating and entertaining, there's still plenty for you here. At the far end of this level there are some gorgeous wine glasses, wine racks, crockery, cafetières and wine coolers - in other words, everything you need to hold an impressive dinner party. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A little piece of Sicily |
36 Picton Street Montpelier Bristol BS6 5QA United Kingdom +44 117 924 7718 http://www.licata.co.uk/ |
This classic deli opened in 1959 and has been selling Bristolians wonderful Italian foods ever since. Walk past the boxed vegetables on the pavement and inside it's a real throwback to the olden days, with its open layout, ancient tills and the Sicilian family that run the place always on hand to advise you on any of the products for sale. These include meats, such as prosciutto and salamis, and cheeses such as mozzarella and parmesan. In fact, if it's Italian, it's bound to be here - olives, balsamic vinegar, olive oils, fresh fruit and vegetables and a great assortment of Italian cakes and biscuits - their panettone is delicious. It's also a stockist for Barilla pasta, stocking every shape of dried pasta imaginable, often for less than in the supermarkets. There is a second branch at 332 Gloucester Road in the more northerly Horfield area of the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Wines and spirits from across the globe |
92a Whiteladies Road Clifton Bristol BS8 2NT United Kingdom +44 1179 23 8114 http://www.oddbins.co.uk/ |
Voted Wine Merchant of the Year, this national chain is regarded as a top-of-the-range off-licence that really knows its booze. It's especially good for wine and is brimming with a phenomenal selection - there are the classics such as the Bordeaux range of French wines, clarets and wines from the Alsace and the Loire, plus an extensive selection of Australian wines, described as the best ever assembled in the UK. There are also wines from New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, Spain and Eastern Europe and even a fine wine section for the connoisseur. Champagne, spirits, beers (including lots of unusual real ales) and soft drinks are also available. Look out for their free in-store tastings and bin-end bargains. There are other branches at Princess Victoria Street and Whiteladies Road in Clifton, Coldharbour Road in Redland and an enormous supermarket-sized branch on Gloucester Road in Bishopston. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Great place for a takeaway lunch |
1 Worrall Road Bristol BS8 2UF United Kingdom +44 117 946 6940 |
This was once a specialist cheese shop, but is now the place to go for a truly great takeaway lunch. The basic sandwich menu includes gammon, roast chicken and avocado, prawn, Parma ham, brie and oak-smoked salmon. The deli section is where you can find Thai and Italian delicacies, cakes and salads. You can also create your sandwich to your own specifications. No microwaves or processed food items are used and everything is cooked and/or prepared on the premises. Hot and cold drinks, such as juices and Illy coffee (said to be the best) are also sold. It gets very busy at lunchtimes, when you might have to queue - always a good sign. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Mediterranean delicacies to delight |
40-42 Glass Arcade St Nicholas Market Bristol BS1 1LJ United Kingdom +44 117 909 9587 |
A very big favourite with Bristolians, this stall is piled high with large wooden barrels, all full of different kinds of olives - black, green, Kalamata, stuffed, plain or smothered in herbs and garlic. They also sell delicious home-made pesto and harissa sauces, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, dolmades, couscous, artichoke hearts, pimientos and hummous. Buy to take home, or go for their bargain lunch offer - three items from the above, with granary bread or ciabatta. There's no seating, but a couple of minutes away is a quiet cobbled street called Welshback, where you can sit at the riverside wooden benches opposite Bar Med and watch the river traffic go by - usually a swan or two - as you enjoy a Mediterranean lunch, Bristol-style. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Friendly coffee shop with a Latin American influence |
89 Gloucester Road Bishopston Bristol BS7 8AS United Kingdom +44 117 944 6810 |
Chilean-owned La Ruca offer meals and snacks throughout the day in their upstairs cafe, specialising in a range of Chilean dishes for vegans, vegetarians and people with special diets and allergies. They also do a mean English breakfast and there are always some delicious cakes and hot and cold drinks. Downstairs, their ethical and organic policy is reflected in what's on offer in their deli - organic foodstuffs, olives, Fair Trade products, South American snacks, a wide range of teas, plus essential oils and herbal products. It also plays a large part in the local Latin-American community and is used for private functions and evening entertainment from storytelling to meditation. If you fancy practising your Spanish, call in on Monday evenings when they open late and everyone speaks in Spanish upstairs over a few drinks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Coffee bar and Persian deli all in one |
61 Gloucester Road Bishopston Bristol BS7 8AD United Kingdom +44 117 904 0040 |
OK, you've done the Thai thing, got tired of Italian, been through your whole Latin-American phase. But have you ever tried Persian? This is the only place in Bristol where you can get authentic Persian dishes, such as ku ku (an omelette with coriander, parsley, tarragon and leek), roasted Chick-pea Cookies and Baclava. Or, if you don't want to eat in, you can buy a variety of Persian ingredients to take home, including Halva, Dates, Nuts, Pickled Garlic, Spices and Olives, from the small deli at the back of the cafe. The owner is Persian and it's a popular place not only for Bristol's small Persian community (a few thousand) but also for shoppers and students looking for a break from busy Gloucester Road outside - you can also come here just for a coffee, and plenty do. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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For a taste of the Orient |
4 Station Road Montpelier Bristol BS6 5EE United Kingdom +44 117 942 8509 |
There are certain exotic ingredients, generally not to be found on supermarket shelves, that transform an average Chinese meal into the real thing. To find them, head for this fascinating Oriental store - here's where you can lay your hands on all manner of sauces, including many varieties of soy; frozen prawns and shrimp; stir-fry fresh vegetables; lime leaves; fresh and dried spices; tofu; Chinese wines and spirits and best of all, every unusual and quite frankly mystifying foodstuff that you've always wanted to try but aren't quite sure what to do with! There's also a good selection of cooking utensils such as woks, steamers etc. in which to prepare your feast. A lot of the stock is sold in large sizes and bulk, as they supply the city's restaurants, but non-trade customers are equally welcome. They also act as representatives for Eupo Air and Sagitta Travel Agencies, specialising in flights to Hong Kong. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ken Chow |
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Sole health-food shop south of the river |
85 Queen's Road Bristol BS8 1QS United Kingdom +44 117 910 5930 http://www.wholefoods.com/ |
A blessing to vegetarians and healthy-eaters living in Bristol, this place stocks all the usual pulses and lentils etc. and a good line in veggie bacon, sausages and burgers. It also stocks a lot of tempeh and tofu products, organic cheeses and milks, soya milks, herbal teas, spices and herbs, snacks, nuts, even soya ice-cream. There's also delicious organic bread for sale, but you have to get there early in the day as it sells out quickly. If you're into touchy-feely "alternative" health issues, you'll find their noticeboard useful. It's a good source for information about the local yoga classes, massage and reflexology practitioners, accommodation for rent etc. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Cass Greene |