Columnists / Meg Houghton-Gilmour
‘Six by Meg’
For those that do not often frequent fancy restaurants, the appeal of Six by Nico is clear. A tasting menu inspired by some novelty or concept such as Alice in Wonderland or ‘trust’ that only lasts for six weeks and is reasonably affordable at £42 with an optional wine pairing. The chain has just announced they are soon to open in Quakers Friars.
Bristol will be Nico’s 15th branch. The chain will have a centralised marketing team who have pledged allegiance to forcing the entry-level tasting menu idea down the throat of everyone whether they want it or not. Naturally, a host of Instagrammers will be invited to go to the opening for free so that they can tell everyone how great it is.
I found this news so inspiring that I decided to write my column this week on six other places you can enjoy a tasting menu in Bristol (some for even less than £42!), while also supporting a local independent business. Let’s call it Six by Meg.
Wilsons
Wilsons is near impossible to write about; because how on earth do you capture such brilliance and creativity within the bounds of the English language? Many, including myself, have tried – but the reality is that you must simply go and experience the farm-to-table, seasonal excellence for yourself. The lunchtime five course tasting is laughably good value at £35 a head, and even the main menu is a steal at £73.
Box-E
Another restaurant that epitomises Bristol’s food brilliance is the tiny Box-E, aptly named given the shipping container it calls home on Wapping Wharf. Their unwritten tasting menu is seven courses and comes in at just £55. What’s even more astounding than the food is the charity work that owners Tess and Elliot manage to fit in alongside creating such delicious fare.
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Bulrush
Bristol’s only Michelin Star restaurant may appear unassuming when you walk past it on Cotham Road but the food is anything but. Bulrush is one of Bristol’s most expensive tasting menus at £90 but it is also one of the best, plus if you go on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening you can enjoy a shorter menu for £65.
The courses on offer at Bulrush combine classic Anglo-French cooking with Japanese and Scandinavian influences – photo: Meg Houghton-Gilmour
Nutmeg
I daren’t make such a bold claim as to say that Nutmeg is Bristol’s best Indian restaurant but it certainly has a place on the podium. I will make the claim that it is the only Indian restaurant in Bristol offering a tasting menu, which is inspired by the North West of India and costs £45 per person.
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Adelina Yard
I’m not sure which I love more about Adelina Yard, the food or the charismatic co-owner Olivia Barry who I now count among my personal friends having watched her religiously on Great British Menu. Sadly Liv didn’t win on Great British Menu, but you can certainly win by going to eat her food from £38 for the lunch menu. For those looking to spend more, the tasting menu is £70 on a Wednesday or Thursday evening or £80 on a Friday or Saturday.
“The only food that’s ever made me cry,” said Chris Earles of Full Court Press about Adelina Yard – photo: Adelina Yard
The Chef’s Table
For those looking for a very classic and old school approach to fine dining, The Chef’s Table at the foot of Hotwells is the place. Their lunch tasting menu starts at £42.50 rising to £74.50 for the signature menu and £89.50 for the menu exceptional.
This is an opinion piece by Meg Houghton-Gilmour, Bristol24/7’s Head of Audience. Subscribe here to her weekly food & drink newsletter.
Main photo: A main course at Wilsons – Meg Houghton-Gilmour
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