In times like these, supporting small local businesses is more important than ever. Even if you switch out one of your normal supermarket lunches for a small independent eatery a week, you’ll be helping local businesses thrive. Bristol is famed for its large amount of independents, from Gloucester Road’s stretch of independent shops to the hidden local gems in Clifton, if you want to shop small, this is the place to do it! Here are a few of our favourite new places to eat and drink in Bristol that are totally independent!
Little Bagel Co, Clifton
This small but mighty bagel shop graced the Clifton Triangle in the summer of 2022 and they haven’t looked back since! The Little Bagel Co is serving up big bagels and big flavours, with specials for events like Christmas and Chinese New Year. Handmade fresh each day, these might be some of the best bagels you’ll have in the city. They also have delicious sweet treats, like compost cookies and brownies, breakfast bagels and of course, coffee! Be sure to stop by the next time you’re passing; you won’t regret it! Order online and see their website here.
Roam Wild x 404 Bakes, Whiteladies Road
Roam Wild X 404 Bakes began as a pop-up coffee van in Cotham Gardens, and the latest venture has seen a small but packed shop on Whiteladies road become home to delicious cakes and coffees. While Anna runs the bakery, Lucy looks after the beans, and the results are a wonderful selection of beautifully decorated cakes and great coffee from Triple Co Roast and teas from Bath.
Every week there are new and interesting flavours on offer, from Chocolate and Sumac to Banana and Peanut Butter, these cakes are well worth the wait! Find out more about what’s on offer by visiting their websites and socials.
Roam Wild – Website | Instagram
404 Bakes – Website | Instagram
The Odd Shop, Whiteladies Road
Hengrove coffee-roasting stars Odd Kin Coffee have broken into the brewing game with their very own coffee spot. The Odd Shop is on Whiteladies road and is serving up delicious Odd Kin roasts, alongside locally sourced breakfast and brunch offerings, like eggy crumpets and hotcakes, and cakes lovingly made by one of their team! This unique coffee spot is already a hit on Whiteladies Road, so be sure to give it a try! To find out more about Odd Kin Coffee and order online, click here.
Starlings, Clifton
Starlings is an independent business just off the Clifton Triangle aiming to bring modern food and drinks to the heart of Clifton. With a delicatessen that provides the best of British (especially South-West) produce and a cafe selling quality Bristol Coffee and exciting brunch options. In the evening Starlings transforms into a bar, with a fantastic atmosphere and a wide range of drinks. We know first-hand how amazing the food, drinks and service are at Starlings, and it is definitely worth a visit! Find out more about Starlings and what they offer here.
Namak, St Werburgh’s
Namak has taken St Werburgh’s by storm, offering up exquisite Indian cuisine from chef Harris, who has worked with some of the best eating establishments in London, Dubai and India. With all dishes prepared using only the finest fresh ingredients, Namak can be enjoyed in their new restaurant on Mina Road, or ordered online for your enjoyment from home! Since opening last year, Namak has already scooped up the award for Best Restaurant - Bristol at the prestigious British Restaurant Awards in September, so you can guarantee they are serving up some delicious food. Find out more about Namak and their story here.
The Cheese Platter, Redland
Located in Redland, The Cheese Platter is a restaurant dedicated to exposing Bristol and its visitors to the best of British cheese. An idea several years in the making, at The Cheese Platter you will enjoy customisable cheese-based dishes for brunch, lunch and dinner. Owner Josh is aiming to use cheese suppliers from within a 50-mile radius of Bristol, in order to promote the delicious cheeses that our local area has to offer. This unique restaurant is well worth a visit for any cheese lover! Find out more about The Cheese Platter and their food here.
Cor, Bedminster
After opening in late 2022 and already appearing in the Michelin restaurant guide, Cor is a seemingly unassuming gem on North Street in Bedminster. Described as somewhere between a Mediterranean restaurant and a tapas bar, this small plates restaurant focuses on fine dining yet also incorporates more fun, sharing style food that has proved popular with both locals and visitors from further afield. You only need to read their reviews to see how much of an impact this small place has had on its surroundings! Find out more about Cor and their story here.
