There are some people in your life that particularly deserved to be spoilt. Luckily I got to spoil just that person recently when I took my friend Gemma to the delightful Hotel du Vin Bristol. I was kindly invited to visit as they launched their new Prix Fixe menu. Created by their Head Chef Marcus Lang, it focuses on using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. It’s also excellent value at 2 courses for £19.95 and 3 course for £24.95.
The setting is rather beautiful. As you wander through the archway down the cobbled lane you quickly forget that you have just stepped off the hectic centre of Bristol. The courtyard of the Sugar Bar (FACT: the hotel is a restored collection of Grade II listed former sugar warehouses) is the perfect location for an al fresco pre-dinner cocktail on the rare occasion at the moment where is not pouring it down with rain (come on English Summer!) The restaurant is elegant. It reminds me of a setting of the beginning of a murder mystery scene on a dusky evening.
With a negroni in hand (rhubarb gin & tonic for Gem) we perused their selection of menus – you can choose from the a la carte, Prix Fixe or the tasting menu option. The menu is full of cute touches of Bristol illustrations and facts. Reminded me how lucky I am to live in this gorgeous city rather than just a visitor.
So what did we eat?! We admittedly got tempted off the prix fixe menu with the starters. One particularly pretty dish of pan-fried scallop in the shell with cobble lane saucisson, samphire, confit garlic and seaweed butter. The duck egg (my starter of choice) – with asparagus and brown crab mayonnaise – had the perfectly satisfying ooze factor.
The main kicked off lots of important chat about our love of peas (which was unanimously agreed to be our favourite vegetable… I think I would judge a person who didn’t love peas). Both of us were tempted by the confit duck – maybe there was some subliminal messaging as we walked in? Tasty crispy skinned duck in a bowl of peas, asparagus and baby gem lettuce.
I finished on a sweet high note of pineapple tarte tatin and coconut ice cream. It was admittedly very sweet, but I am a big lover of coconut, so it worked.
Whilst there are other places I would recommend for the wow factor in the food, I think Hotel du Vin offers a lovely setting for a rather enjoyable evening. And with the value of the Prix Fixe menu you can’t really go wrong.
I would definitely highlight it to anyone visiting Bristol – perfect location and dreamy setting. Now I’ve just got to think up an excuse to stay in such a lovely hotel in my own city…
It’s worth keeping an eye on their website offers, such as a BOTTOMLESS CHAMPAGNE afternoon tea: https://www.hotelduvin.com/offers/food-drink/bristol-bottomless-afternoon-tea/
And social media:
Instagram: @hotelduvinbristol
Twitter: @hdv_bristol
Disclaimer: I was provided this meal free of cost, however I was not asked to send any copy in advance and this didn’t affect my opinion of the meal – all thoughts are my own.
