A GUIDE TO CLIFTON VILLAGE: SEE, EAT, SHOP

Where to go in Clifton Village

Despite the fact I live in London, I spend quite a lot of time in Bristol and have done for the last 8 years because it’s where my boyfriend is from, my sister also attends Bath University, so spending time in the South West is a frequent affair. By far my most favourite spot in Bristol is Clifton Village, it’s always on our weekend agenda and actually one of my favourite places for a leisurely Sunday stroll and a delicious brunch.  It’s cobbled streets are lined with Cafes, boutique clothing stores and local vegetable stalls, making it the perfect place to waste a morning (and a beautiful outfit post location I should add).

To continue my new travel guide series, I thought today I’d share a few of my favourite spots, most recommended cafes and restaurants and a few tips for any future visits you have! I hope you enjoy it.

WHERE TO EAT

I’ll start with my favourite Clifton Village past time, eating. Clifton has some fab little Cafe’s and restaurants, and some seriously popular ones too, but overall there are 5 that I thoroughly recommend you visit, each offer something a little different so planning a little trip to each is probably a wise idea.

Spicer & Cole

Spicer and Cole is my favourite cafe for coffee and a healthy lunch in Clifton Village, their counters are lined with fresh salads, home made quiches and the biggest selection of hearty and rustic sandwiches. The coffee gives a good punch and the cake selection is pretty mouth watering. Best to get here before 2pm if you’re keen to enjoy the food, as it’s very much first come first serve. My favourite spot is a seat in the window, the perfect way to watch Clifton life pass by.

Where: 1 Queen Square Ave, Bristol BS1 4JA

Rosmarino

If you’re a brunch lover then I cannot recommend Rosmarino enough, not only does it sit on the corner of a pastel lined row of houses (making it rather picturesque) they also do a pretty good brunch menu, Eggs Royale are a firm favourite here. Rosmarino is also a great restaurant for a rather splendid Italian dinner too …

Where: 1 York Pl, Bristol BS8 1AH

The Arch Deli

Prepare to enter food heaven in the Arch Deli, sat in the most picturesque part of Clifton Village (and my favourite outfit spot too) the Arch Deli is the perfect place to treat yourself to some seriously tasty delicatessen treats. Stock up on yummy cheese, quince, olives and home made salads and head across to the green overlooking Clifton Suspension bridge … there’s not really a better way to spend a sunny afternoon.

Where: Boyce’s Ave, Bristol, Avon BS8 4AA

Primose Cafe

You’ll be lucky to get a seat at Primrose Cafe as this little cafe is clearly a firm favourite for most of Bristol. It’s a tiny little cafe hidden in the corner of the Clifton Arcade, with street lined tables and the perfect position to capture the morning sun. The brunch menu is as good as it’s location meaning Primrose is a super popular joint.

Where: 1, Clifton Arcade, Boyce’s Ave, Bristol BS8 4AA

The Thali Cafe

A super tasty, authentic Indian in Clifton, The Thali Cafe is quite an experience and a really authentic and exciting way to enjoy your favourite cuisine. It will be like no Indian you’ve had before, and that’s in a good way. Definitely worth a visit on a Saturday night.

Where: 1 Regents Street, Bristol BS8 4HW

WHERE TO SHOP

PaperSmiths

My favourite store in Bristol, hands down. This stationary store is what dreams are made of and it is physically impossible for me to enter and leave without having spent £20 on a new note book or stocked up on all my favourite boutique magazines. If you’re a stationary obsessive like me, then this should be your first point of call on any trip to Bristol, just be prepared to quite literally want everything.

Where: 6A Boyce’s Ave, Bristol BS8 4AA

Clifton Arcade

A beautiful, historic little arcade tucked away in the heart of Clifton Village, jam packed with vintage jewellers, art galleries and antique home wear stores. A picturesque glass ceiling building which is definitely worth a stroll along.

Where: Boyce’s Ave, Bristol, Avon BS8 4AA

Focus On The Past

This little antiques store is full of rustic furniture and antique gems, whilst it’s tucked away on a little side street, it’s hard to miss with the street filled with trinkets and kitch furniture dying for a little renovation.

Where: Waterloo St, Bristol, Avon BS8 4BT

Maze & No. 18

Two of Clifton’s best clothing stores and actually sister companies. I can’t go into Maze without falling in love with something, and nor can my boyfriend. From citizens of Humanity & Great Planes to French Connection and Maison Scotch for the ladies, and Ally Capellino, YMC & Scotch & Soda for the men … their curated collection of  men & women’s designers is spot on and means you always find something you love. No 18 is just down the road and is such a pretty little store that even if you’re not in the market to shop, it’s worth a little browse.

Where: 26-28 The Mall,  Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4DS & 18 The Mall, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4DR

WHAT TO SEE

Whilst it’s the food and boutique shopping that really draws me to Clifton Village, it’s fair to say there’s plenty more to see than fabulous coffee shops and the best stationary store in Bristol.

Clifton Bridge & Ashton Court

Bristols iconic suspension bridge is based in Clifton Village and so definitely worth a visit and a walk across, the views are spectacular, and as you cross the bridge you’ll find yourself stumbling into Ashton Court, a huge and beautiful park where the annual balloon fiesta is held.  The perfect place to picnic once you’ve picked up your Arch House Deli feast.

Bristol Zoo

Bristol Zoo is another of Bristols infamous attractions which is based in Clifton Village … despite the 8 years I’ve been visiting Bristol, I’ve still not made it into the Zoo but it’s most definitely on my list of things to do.

So there you have it, the ultimate guide to Clifton village, what to see, where to shop and where to eat. Despite the fact the village is such a small area of Bristol, in my opinion it’s jam packed with all the best bits. I frequently spend a Sunday strolling the village, grabbing brunch and spending too much money on stationary!

Have you visited Clifton before? What are your favourite places? If you want to read more of my UK travel guides have a nosy here and if you want to explore more of the West of England then my Tetbury, Cotswolds & Pig In Bath guides might be of interest.