Dining out just got a whole lot brighter.
The day has finally arrived and many of us can’t wait to head outdoors for a reason besides daily exercise and our weekly shop. Luckily, Bristol Old Vic has launched a brand new outdoor space for you to enjoy a tipple and bite to eat to celebrate the latest restrictions being lifted.
The King Street theatre has launched 17 brightly-coloured “beach hut” style cabins outside, inspired by the well-known bright houses of Totterdown and decorated with a touch of theatrical magic. Bristol Old Vic’s artists and stage carpenters have put their skills to good use by creating the perfect haven for post-lockdown socialising.
Each hut seats six people and each one is themed around a production from the Bristol Old Vic’s 255-year history; from Peter O’Toole’s iconic Hamlet of the 1950s, right up to the theatre’s recent West End productions Touching the Void and The Grinning Man. The venue is also adorned with memorabilia sourced from the theatre’s extensive archive held at Bristol University’s Theatre Collection, giving an insight into its history and connection to the city.
The Bristol Old Vic bar is providing a selection of craft beers from Left Handed Giant, local ciders, coffee, tea, and snacks. You can even enjoy local ice cream from Marshfield Farm in one of their rainbow beach huts to feel that little bit closer to the seaside.
Plus, when the evening draws in and it gets a bit chilly, you can have Bristol’s favourite comfort food, Pieminister pies, delivered straight to your table. Whether you like yours with just mash and gravy, or all the toppings plus sides and snacks, the bar and restaurant has got you covered with six pies to choose from.
To keep the public as safe as possible, food and drink is ordered via an app and table service is provided, while entry to the theatre is limited to toilet access only. In accordance with current Government guidelines, the cabins can accommodate groups of six people each and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
These brand new colourful cabins mark the first small steps of Bristol Old Vic’s road to recovery, followed by May 17 being the next key date which allows indoor performances to begin across the country. The rainbow beach huts opened for a soft launch on April 12 and will be fully open from April 13. You can dine in one of the huts from midday – 11pm between Tuesday and Saturday, and from midday – 6pm on Sunday.
Bristol Old Vic, King Street, BS1 4ED
[Featured Image: @nettiespagettie]