We’ve known for a while, but it seems the world is finally figuring out that Bristol is one of the UK’s hottest food destinations. And if they didn’t know beforehand, they should after TV chef Andi Oliver stopped by the South West city for the latest episode of her Fabulous Feasts. Where she celebrated the incredible food culture of this city.
The show’s premise sees Andi travel around the UK and embed herself in the food culture of various communities. In Episode 2, she visited Bristol which aired last night on BBC Two (April 3). It’s joyful, heartwarming and – unlike a lot of times – a pretty fair representation of the city.
In the episode, we see Andi trying to help Jasper Thompson, a local man “whose pioneering homeless project transforms shipping containers into temporary accommodation.” Drawing on Bristol’s Caribbean heritage she sets out to create a fabulous feast using only local produce while raising awareness about Jasper’s new community cafe.
Her first stop is a “local institution”, St Nicks Market for inspiration and is taken aback by the various stalls “with food from all over the world.” She makes sure to stop by one of our favourite spots in the area, Caribbean Wrap – the best place in the Old City for authentic and freshly prepared Caribbean cuisine.
It’s not all Caribbean food, however. The episode highlights the diverse, creative and independent aspects of Bristol’s food scene. Andi also visits the Italian restaurant Sonny Stores in Southville; local chocolate makers, Ruby Hue; and Pinkman’s Bakery for its legendary sour-dough-nuts.
We won’t spoil every twist and turn of the episode, but Andi Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts is a real treat to watch. If you missed it, you can watch the episode on iPlayer now, as well as the first episode set in Cornwall. The third episode, which airs on BBC 2 next Wednesday (April 10) at 8pm, sees Andi travel to Bridlington in Yorkshire.