Named after Bibendum, the official name of the Michelin Man, a Bib Gourmand is awarded to those offering great quality, great value cooking. The Clifton probably says it best, “this is not pretentious fine dining; it’s just about good food.” Ahead of this year’s MICHELIN Guide Ceremony for Great Britain & Ireland (February 5), the Clifton-based pub is one of only twenty to receive this prestigious award in 2024.
The Clifton only opened in July last year – from the team that runs the Welsh pubs, the Hare & Hounds in Aberthin and Heathcock in Cardiff – but has impressed with its hard work and dedication to high-quality, seasonal food. Everything is made from scratch, from sourdough bread and cultured butter to fresh pasta, and takes influences from ‘Nose to Tail’ and wood fire cooking.
Expect anything from Welsh rarebit to venison, trotter and pickled walnut pie, poached pear and beetroot salad or whole grilled quail, cavolo nero and chasseur sauce. Seasonal menus change often, however, sometimes daily. All you are ever guaranteed is high-quality, good-value British cuisine. But even if all you want is a pint of real ale or a glass of wine, The Clifton has you sorted – it is a pub after all.
Michelin Guide says: “The trendy suburb of Clifton is home to this rustic, aptly named pub from the team behind the Hare & Hounds in Aberthin, who’ve crossed the border to bring the same brand of unpretentious, locally inspired cooking to England. The menu includes both small plates and larger sharing options – like braised short rib or Cull Yaw shepherd’s pie – which are generous in both size and flavour.”
The Clifton has a way of feeding all needs too. From delicious bar snacks to go with your pint to feasting menus for large parties – there’s even a lunch saver menu at lunchtimes – eat however you like in this relaxed and informal pub. And yes, it also does a Sunday lunch menu with everything from Hereford beef sirloin to a roasted Jerusalem artichoke.
The Clifton is one of 20 restaurants awarded a Bib Gourmand by Michelin Guide for 2024. It’s the only one in Bristol, but if you don’t mind crossing the River Severn, Penarth’s Touring Club also made the list. Just over an hour away from Bristol, inspired by a restaurant in Patagonia, “it’s a slick, relaxed spot where you can while away the hours with a few drinks and unfussy small plates.”
To see all 20 new Bib Gourmands announced for 2024 head here.