In this part of my Blog I'm going to explore areas of Bristol outside of the City Centre, identifying foodie highlights, hot spots and low points! I would encourage others to add to these writings, sharing their own experiences and recommendations with an aim to build comprehensive snapshots of the less widely travelled segments of Bristol for residents and visitors alike.
So, once again, let’s go out...
Spotlight on...Hanham:
Boasting a brand new token Wetherspoons on the High Street, (The Jolly Sailor*) and at present, not a lot else, Hanham is a quiet suburb on the Eastern outskirts of Bristol. It does however, have one of the oldest public houses on record in Britain; The Blue Bowl which is currently closed for refurbishment and will be re-opening under the 'Sizzling Pub' chain. Hopefully, this wont take away from its notable history in this area, an important element which could certainly be used to boost this venue's appeal over it's rival, Wetherspoons, which has become the only place to drink on a Friday or Saturday night, (or any other night for that matter!)
Navigate away from the High Street though and there are several more traditional pubs offering what I have found to be some really exceptional food. The Elm Tree offers tasty, home-cooked dishes prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. The service here is friendly and helpful which adds to the relaxed atmosphere of this venue overall, (full review below). The Queens Head can be a little quiet which is a shame as it delivers dishes of a high standard. In the warmer Months, it is particularly pleasant to sit alongside the river at Hanham Mills; a popular pastime with locals of both; The Chequers* and The Old Lock and Weir*. The Chequers regularly offers live entertainment and the Old Lock and Weir is known for it's themed nights, Bank Holiday festivals and the annual 'beerfest' which is held each August - it really doesn't get much more traditional than that!
So, next time you're using Hanham as a go-through to it's neighbouring areas, consider stopping for a real 'home-from-home' drinking or dining experience!
So, next time you're using Hanham as a go-through to it's neighbouring areas, consider stopping for a real 'home-from-home' drinking or dining experience!
References:
*http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-jolly-sailor
*http://www.thechequers-inn.co.uk/
*http://www.lockandweir.com/
Desserts are classic British creations – the chocolate fudge cake was gooey and indulgent, (I just would have liked the vanilla ice cream to be of better quality), and the passion fruit cheesecake had just the right balance of flavours with a lovely tart hit of tropical fruit. Finally, the Eton Mess was beautifully presented and constituted some really delicate textures as well as the sweetness and light of seasonal berries and Chantilly cream. So, the pudding experts were satisfied and as for the real ale snob, he informed me that although his favourites are not on tap here, the ales that they do have (Doom Bar, Wadsworth 6X and Courage Best Bitter) are well-kept and in good condition.
Review: The Elm Tree, Hanham
It can often prove difficult to find a venue that can suitably cater for the whole family, and as the evening drew closer whereby our clan would visit The Elm Tree in celebration of my Grandmother's 86th birthday, I realised that they had their work cut out...Diners included a coeliac, a heavily pregnant (and uncomfortable) sibling, a real ale snob and a couple of serious pudding connoisseurs! Not to mention my parents, to whom this pub is local and the fact that they had been the ones to recommend it in the first place made for high expectations all round...
Date and Time: Wednesday 27th April 2011, 19:00
Name of Establishment: The Elm Tree
Location: 76 Abbots Road, Hanham, Bristol BS15 3NR
Reason for Visit: Family get-together and birthday celebrations
The Elm Tree has largely been shaped with the 'traditional country pub' cutter and upon entering, you are made to feel welcome by the friendly staff and relaxed by the surroundings which are quaint and homely. Ceilings are high, the floors thickly carpeted and furniture has a rustic feel to it which, although found to be a little uncomfortable by some of our party, is clean-cut due to the venue's recent refurbishment. Décor is smart, simple and, in places, a little quirky (think wicker owls sat in window-sills!) I like that The Elm Tree has retained its character despite modernising the fundamental aspects of its interior – it's like getting the best of both worlds, old-school and charismatic as well as clean, fresh and airy.
The menu, however, is traditional to its core. It offers a variety of home-cooked dishes, prepared using high-quality ingredients and delivered in generous portions. I chose the salmon and dill fish-cakes which were hand-made and perfectly executed; with an ample salmon to creamy mashed potato ratio. This mixture was well-seasoned and encased in a crisped coating of breadcrumbs – lovely with a squirt of lemon and dollop of mayonnaise! Main meals are accompanied with a choice of potato and I opted for chips which were 'steak-cut' and delicious. Other diners chose the faggots, which were said to be rich and filling – these had been sourced from a local farm and I've been told that they are one of the pub's most popular dishes. Dad reported that his steak was tender and lean and The Boy enjoyed the chicken and mushroom pie with it's rich, buttery flavours and flaky puff-pastry lid.
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| Faggots - £8.50 |
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| Chicken Pie - £8.25 |
Desserts are classic British creations – the chocolate fudge cake was gooey and indulgent, (I just would have liked the vanilla ice cream to be of better quality), and the passion fruit cheesecake had just the right balance of flavours with a lovely tart hit of tropical fruit. Finally, the Eton Mess was beautifully presented and constituted some really delicate textures as well as the sweetness and light of seasonal berries and Chantilly cream. So, the pudding experts were satisfied and as for the real ale snob, he informed me that although his favourites are not on tap here, the ales that they do have (Doom Bar, Wadsworth 6X and Courage Best Bitter) are well-kept and in good condition.
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| Passion Fruit Cheesecake - £5.25 |
Throughout our visit, staff were attentive and helpful; everyone's individual needs and tastes were addressed, ingredients and accompaniments were swapped and the wheat/gluten-free options clearly explained. What I'm saying is that we were never made to feel like the fussy bunch that we actually are! No doubt that we'll be back again in force for the next family get-together. My parents are lucky to to have such a reliable local which offers satisfying grub at reasonable prices. The clientèle is a little on the older side but I hear that the Elm Tree's themed nights are well attended, (when we visited, they were advertising a Spanish Tapas Night and May Day Hog Roast). With the upbeat vibe and friendly atmosphere which exists here, I can see why.
And now for the second opinion...I thought it was only fair that the birthday girl got the final word!
Nan gave The Elm Tree 10/10 and in three words, described it as 'well-prepared' and 'tasty'.
References:
*The Elm Tree does not have a website, but phone 0117 9675193 to book a table or for any information.
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