Travel with me to Clifton, Bristol
Clifton is our favourite hangout whenever we go on family visit in Bristol, we love the art scene, weekend farmer markets, cool bars and exquisite gourmet restaurants.
When to go?
Definitely summer, July and August are the best time to go for beautiful English summer, though these two years Bristol has had a few odd warm days in late-September. English summer is warm and very pleasant, it is bright till 9ish in the evening.
What do do in Clifton?
Clifton has attracted a community of independent artists, designers and gourmet chefs, most shops and restaurants have their own character. If you are from Hong Kong, think Kau Yu Fong/ Gough Street, Clifton is similar to that, but even better, the town oozes cool vibes, art, architecture, culture and history.
A day in Clifton means having a long lunch at Clifton Sausage, the restaurant is cozy and unpretentious, food and wine are both excellent. They are always very busy so it is best you book in advance.
Then we will take a stroll around town and look at Clifton Suspension Bridge and Clifton Arcade. The arcade was built between 1876-1878 by Joseph King, it was a Victorian version of shopping mall, its original name was King's Arcade, walking in the arcade is like traveling back in time machine, there are a few galleries such as Jean Jones Gallery.
Architecture & History
Clifton Village has a long array of Victorian and Georgian Architecture, most town houses were built in the 19th century, its beauty is the most fascinating.
Night-life
We start the night with a glass of bubbles at The Somerset House or sometimes The Quadrant for some tapas and drinks with friends. As the night warming up and our stomach start to sing, we move on to dinner at The Fishers for its delicious daily catch and a bottle of crisp Pouilly Fuisse, or Côte for steak and a glass of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Sometimes there is live music at The Coronation Tap, the pub is also renowned for its cider room.
