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Best Local Restaurant
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The Clifton

Bristol - Modern British - Pub - ££

Unpretentious but ambitious food-focused pub with a wood-fired grill

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

Not to be confused with The Clifton hotel nearby, this revamped pub and restaurant opened in July 2023. It’s the third venture from Sarah and Tom Watts-Jones (owners of two successful south Wales dining pubs) and is ‘pushing boundaries without being pretentious’ – as one reader perceptively noted. The decor is tastefully understated: a white, high-ceilinged bar area leads to an open kitchen and sage-panelled dining room tucked at the back of the pub, where bare wood tables are topped with pretty wildflower posies and candles. The staff are keen to emphasise the kitchen's use of local suppliers (including produce from their own smallholding), its commitment to seasonality and its dedication to making stuff in-house. If nothing else, head chef Cory Scott is a top-notch baker – his rye soda bread, sourdough and cultured butter with tiny crystals of crunchy sea salt is worth the visit alone. At the heart of things is a large, wood-fired grill which adds smoky...

Not to be confused with The Clifton hotel nearby, this revamped pub and restaurant opened in July 2023. It’s the third venture from Sarah and Tom Watts-Jones (owners of two successful south Wales dining pubs) and is ‘pushing boundaries without being pretentious’ – as one reader perceptively noted. The decor is tastefully understated: a white, high-ceilinged bar area leads to an open kitchen and sage-panelled dining room tucked at the back of the pub, where bare wood tables are topped with pretty wildflower posies and candles.

The staff are keen to emphasise the kitchen's use of local suppliers (including produce from their own smallholding), its commitment to seasonality and its dedication to making stuff in-house. If nothing else, head chef Cory Scott is a top-notch baker – his rye soda bread, sourdough and cultured butter with tiny crystals of crunchy sea salt is worth the visit alone. At the heart of things is a large, wood-fired grill which adds smoky flavours to all manner of dishes – as in a starter salad of courgettes, lightly charred baby gem, broad beans and ewe’s curd. Main courses, such as a whole grilled plaice with cockles, mussels, laverbread and crispy leeks, are designed to be shared – so bring a friend to make sure you don’t miss out.

For afters, there could be summer fruit pavlova with Pimm’s sorbet or some well-chosen local cheese. Order a pint from the bar or pick something suitable from the predominantly French and Italian wine list, which offers more than 20 selections by the glass. The lunchtime and early-evening set menu is spectacularly good value.

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VENUE DETAILS

16 Regent Street, Clifton

Bristol
BS8 4HGGB

0117 431 2002

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OTHER INFORMATION

Separate bar, Counter seating, Wheelchair access, Family friendly, Dog friendly, Credit card required

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