You must wait an hour after eating before you swim. We’ve all heard this before, and we’ve all definitely had to sit idly poolside counting down the minutes until we can get back in the water. But the problem is, there isn’t actually much scientific evidence to support it. Yes, we know. All that time wasted watching other children – and adults – have fun! But now that you’re older and wiser, you can reclaim some of that lost time at the Bristol Lido.
The oldest surviving heated pool in the country – although not the oldest lido – Bristol Lido offers Mediterranean vibes near Whiteladies Road in Clifton. Overlooking the pool, you can dine in the original viewing gallery. It is a relaxed and informal space, with food cooked visibly in a roaring hot Italian clay oven. Separate menus for breakfast, dinner and tapas-style dining at the poolside bar, all focus on Spanish and Mediterranean food.
For breakfast, make sure to grab a champagne mimosa before ordering the Turkish baked eggs with a sweet tomato sauce, seasoned yoghurt, walnut butter and flatbread. While for dinner, we have our hearts set on the Valencian-style baked bomba rice with rabbit, snails, wild garlic, aioli and butifarra de perol. Which sounds a lot like paella to us, but don’t scold us Spaniards!
If you’re keen to increase the holiday atmosphere, Bristol Lido’s poolside bar also has a tapas-style menu, including everything from Nocellara olives, hummus and grilled asparagus to Tuscan fennel salami, La Latteria Burrata and Manchego aged in Iberico lardo. Vegan options are available on all menus too.
After you’ve, why not take a dip? To swim, you can pre-book a two-hour session – which includes the pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub – from £25. Sessions are available from 10am until 3pm. Until Christmas, an extra evening session from 7pm to 9pm is also available. Children’s sessions are limited from 2 to 4pm, with each child to be accompanied by an adult, and cost £7.50.
Of course, if you’re still scared of getting cramps, you could always book to go swimming first. A sensational way to work up an appetite. If all that wasn’t enough, you can also grab a 60-minute massage while you’re at the Bristol Lido. To learn more head here.