Ask your parents about The Granary on Welsh Back. Chances are their eyes will glaze over with fond memories from this legendary venue in Bristol. Starting life as a jazz club in 1968, it quickly became an all-rock music venue – hosting the likes of Yes, Genesis, Status Quo, Motörhead, Iron Maiden and more – before shutting down in 1988.
In truth, The Granary has taken on many roles in Bristol during its lifetime. Considered to be the best-preserved example of Bristol Byzantine architecture, it was built in 1869 as, unsurprisingly, a granary for Wait, James and Co. By 2002, however, the top floors of the building were converted into apartments, while the ground floor turned into a restaurant and bar.
The Granary, which opened on Monday (October 16), is the latest face of the new restaurant‘s namesake. Owned by the same team as Harbour House, the menu is devised by Charlie James, who used to run Jamaica Street Stores, and head chef Cai Shearman, formerly of The Christmas Steps. With a major emphasis on meals ‘cooked over fire’, such as lamb leg steaks, chicken kofta, and XXL tiger prawns.
You’ll also find a selection of small plates like pulled chicken laab, white fish tempura, and tabbouleh, as well as a range of flatbreads. There’s also a separate breakfast menu, serving anything from fresh pastries to steak & eggs. And while there are clear Asian and Middle Eastern influences dotted throughout the menu, the focus is very much on creating food that is “seasonal and sustainable”.
Continuing its celebration of local suppliers and producers, beers on tap are from Lost & Grounded, while cider comes from Branch. Getting back to its venue roots, the owner has also hinted at plans to launch a music bar in the basement very soon. To learn more about The Granary, see its menus and book a table head here.
Before you go, what was this about Only Fools & Horses? Oh! We almost forgot… The Granary was used in the TV show’s most famous episode – the one where Del Boy fell through the bar. You should be able to spot the exterior in ‘Yuppy Love’ quite easily… It’s very distinct!