The other day, I randomly started talking to a man in a bakery about Secret Bristol. ‘Oh, have you heard of the secret cafe?’ he said. What secret cafe? I pressed further, but he went all shy and wouldn’t say any more. ‘There won’t be any cheesecake left for me…’ When I got home, I was still curious, and it didn’t take long to figure out what he was talking about.
In the heart of Bristol’s Old City is the 600-year-old Saint Stephen’s Church. This breathtakingly beautiful, ancient church was built on the site of an 11th-century church, in the 14th century, and rebuilt around 1470 – and still holds services every Thursday and Sunday. But even non-believers will want to pop in for a slice of Basque cheesecake.
The independently run Secret Café offers a variety of Spanish food and drink – from pintxos to tortillas, and churros to torrijas (a Spanish-style French toast). All homemade, the menu changes regularly, however, and travels the length and breadth of Spain. Plus, you’ll find all your coffee needs catered for too.
It’s not just the food – inspired by the chefs’ constant trips to Spain – that makes the Secret Café worth visiting. The place itself is as heavenly as one might expect from its church location. Especially now that the sun is (finally) shining and you can tuck into some Mediterranean flavours in the tranquil garden.
It’s only open Wednesday to Saturday (10am to 4pm), but the husband and wife duo that opened it, Antonio and Alicia, who moved here from Seville, created a spot you’ll want to carve out time for. You’ll also find a peaceful, and often quiet, hidden gem in the middle of Bristol – a haven when you’re caught up in the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Sorry for letting the secret out, but this cafe is too good to be kept to myself. To learn more head to the Secret Café’s socials here and here.