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We know that it is the city of Banksy , Portishead and Massive Attack (by the way, one of the members of this band is the candidate with the most ballots behind which the mysterious and most sought-after graffiti artist in the world would hide). Some will also know that Cary Grant was born here and that his was one of the most important commercial ports in the 18th century (slave port). In it, the SS Great Britain ship museum is now exhibited, the first transatlantic with an iron hull.
The aviation industry is another of Bristol's forts, with its Aerospace Museum by flag. Its interior houses, for example, the last Concorde of British Airways. But few will identify Bristol, thus a priori, as a city linked to gastronomy ... Although it is considered a foodie hotspot, that is, a most attractive place from the gastronomic point of view. "It has truly become one of England's most interesting gourmet cities, " said Jay Rayner, one of the best culinary critics in the United Kingdom.
This is one of the most surprising aspects of this city with a reputation as a trend creator, and Gloucester Road may well be the place to start checking it out. Since early in the morning it is perceived that this is a most vibrant street: as it is full of cafes and bakeries, the atmosphere is assured.
There are also dozens of hairdressers and beauty salons; churches transformed into gyms or theaters; flower shops, Buddhist centers and alternative medicines; establishments where local artists, independent designers and artisans exhibit and sell; restaurants, pubs and breweries and facades with urban art murals.
In Stokes Croft - the continuation of Gloucester Road towards the city center - the scenario is similar, although here the number of graffiti is even greater and they are especially vindictive. Street art serves to raise awareness against large food areas, to bet on the local or to defend the cultural mix that occurs in this metropolis in which almost 200 different nationalities coexist.
independent breweries
What is clear is that diversity is one of Bristol's hallmarks. "That's why everyone finds this city interesting," says Riley, a young man sitting on the terrace of Canteen , one of the most alternative meeting points in the city. It is a cafe, bar and restaurant, all in one, that follows the concept of slow food , where prices are acceptable and where you can listen to live music every night. Right next to its terrace is one of Banksy's most famous murals, Mild Mild West , and opposite, one of Cosmo Sarson, Jesus Breakdancing .
There, Shonette Laffy, an expert in the gastronomic scene of Bristol, invites a small thematic tour with beer as the protagonist. With more than 15 independent and high-quality breweries, in addition to many other small producers, dozens of specialized pubs and bars and even a fair (in June), Bristol is one of the best beer cities in all of Britain.
This itinerary begins on the outskirts, in Hare Brewery , the new facilities of Bath Ales, one of the most famous beers in the region. Of course, the new building is prepared for tourist visits and they have even set up a bar next to the brewing tanks, open to everyone. "On Saturdays we organize concerts," Darren explains, while offering some of his jewelry. "The Gem, which has an English hops, is the one we sell most of all," he says. To make the black one, which they call Dark Side, they make "a copy of the water in Dublin," Darren says with a half smile.
In Southville, another of the neighborhoods revitalized lately (where you also have to shop around if we want to enjoy interesting urban art) is Bristol Beer Factory, a true symbol of this drink in the city. "We are not a micro-brewery, but almost," says Simon, the director. And the funny thing is that many of them only elaborate them from time to time, so you have to be aware when they leave. The names are also the most original: Optimist, Like a stone, North to the future, Rebel Rebel, Fascination ...
Back to Gloucester Road, you have to go through Drapers Arms , the first independent micro-pub in the city, where ales and cider from small local producers are served, and where a particular atmosphere is breathed: there is no music, no television, or slot machines, or decoration to the last because the intention is that here he comes to talk, with friends or with whom he goes out, while asking for paint.
The Wellington, somewhat later, is more like the typical English pub, although with a modern air that makes it very attractive. In addition, it has a pretty good kitchen, so it is one of the city's foodie fetish addresses. One more.
PRACTICAL GUIDE
Drop down
How to get. The EasyJet airline (easyjet.com) offers direct flights to Bristol from Spanish cities such as Madrid or Barcelona. From 50 euros the journey.
Where to sleep. The Wellington (thewellingtonbristol.co.uk) Boutique hotel in a pub. From 100 euros. Also in Hotel du Vin (hotelduvin.com): central and modern. From 120 euros.
Where to eat. Lido (lidobristol.com). Pool, spa and restaurant, all in one. Original place with good cuisine. Price 'Swim and Dine': 45 pounds (52 euros).
More information. On the official website of Visit Bristol www.visitbristol.co.uk
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