
Finding lovely local restaurants in any neighbourhood is a must for getting to know an area. One that can galvanise a whole community, one that demands repeat visits and one that doesn’t cost a fortune to do so. Because as much as we love Bristol’s Michelin-star restaurants, we’re not eating at one each week. (Our bank account wouldn’t cope.)
The Good Food Guide has recently been on the hunt for Britain’s 100 Best Local Restaurants of 2023. More than 37,000 restaurants were nominated by diners across the country, advocating for their beloved local haunts. These beloved restaurants, often the beating heart of their communities, were narrowed down to just 100. The list “celebrates the places that are the beating heart of communities around Britain”.
The number one spot went to Tallow in Kent for its “simplicity of the set-up, the sheer deliciousness of the ‘unique monthly menus’, and the ‘excellence of the service’”. While the best Local Restaurant in the South West went to Wild Artichokes in Devon, for a “warmly hospitable” approach. There were five Bristol restaurants, however, that made the Top 100.
BANK in Totterdown has taken the city by storm since it launched its ‘live-fire cooking’ methods. While we already know that Italian-influenced Sonny Stores in Southville and the classic bistro littlefrench are among Bristol’s best restaurants. The other two spots were filled by the chic Caper & Cure in Stokes Croft and Redland’s number-one pasta spot, Little Hollows.
“Beyond thrilled to be added to The Good Food Guide and be included in Britain’s Best 100 Local Restaurants,” said Caper & Cure on Instagram. “Our restaurant, like so many in Bristol, has had no external investment and is a project of passion – not driven by profits – but the joy of working with a great team, serving our lovely customers, and sourcing and delivering excellent food and wine!”
Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality said of the awards: “Local restaurants are so often the heartbeat of communities; providing jobs, generating economic growth and, most importantly, providing fantastic food. It’s brilliant to see such huge support from the public for their local restaurants and is deserved recognition of their hard work. This sort of support is invaluable as venues face ever-rising costs and is essential in keeping valued businesses viable.”
To see Britain’s 100 Best Local Restaurants by The Good Food Guide head here.