It's a busy week on the Bristol food scene with some fresh new spots opening their doors, just in time for the summer rush. We're also looking ahead to some of the city's best food festivals and events happening this month. And, as always, we're shining a light on a local favourite that continues to deliver.

Here’s the latest from Bristol’s food and drink scene.

New Openings

• eFZin Coffee: A new Mediterranean-inspired coffee shop and bar has just opened on the corner of Clare Street and Baldwin Street, taking over the former Caffe Moka site. Expect a vibrant atmosphere with music and a focus on quality coffee.

• Alembic: For those of you heading off on your holidays, a new world tapas restaurant and bar has recently opened in the departure lounge of Bristol Airport. Alembic opened its doors on July 3rd, serving light bites, small plates, and sharing boards with a focus on local suppliers.

• Wingstop: The American chicken wing chain is set to open a new branch on Queens Road in Clifton this summer. This will be their third location in Bristol, taking over the former Paperchase unit.

Upcoming Food Events

• Bristol Seafood Week: Kicking off today and running all week until Sunday, July 13th. A city-wide celebration of sustainable British seafood, with special menus and events at top Bristol restaurants.

• Finzels Reach Market: A great shout for a weekday lunch, this market runs every Wednesday and Friday (July 9th & 11th this week). You'll find a brilliant rotation of street food traders.

• Thirsty Thursday Floating Bar: Bristol Ferry's popular Thursday evening cruises are back. Enjoy a drink while taking in the sights of the harbour. The next one sets sail this Thursday, July 10th.

• Tobacco Factory Market: A proper Sunday staple. Head to Bedminster on Sunday, July 13th for a fantastic selection of street food, local produce, cakes, and crafts.

• Bristol Harbour Festival: The official dates are Friday, July 18th to Sunday, July 20th. While not exclusively about food, the culinary offering is a major highlight, with the harbourside packed with an incredible array of food stalls and bars. It's also worth noting that the magnificent tall ship, Galeón Andalucía, arrives on Thursday, July 17th, which for many marks the unofficial start of the festival.

• Feast On: One of Bristol's biggest dedicated food festivals returns to The Downs from Thursday, July 24th to Sunday, July 27th. Expect a huge lineup of local restaurants and street food traders, including Pasture, Bianchis, and The Jolly Hog.

• Bristol Cider Week: Kicking off on Friday, July 25th, this is a must for fans of proper local cider. Keep an eye out for tours, tastings, and parties happening across the city's pubs and taprooms.

• Brewery Taprooms & Supper Clubs: With the summer evenings upon us, it's always worth checking the social media pages of local breweries and wine bars. Many, like Left Handed Giant and KASK, will have street food pop-ups and special tasting events running throughout the month.

Local Highlight: Bravas

Tucked away on Cotham Hill, Bravas is a real Bristol treasure. This intimate and lively tapas bar has been a firm favourite for years, and for good reason. It’s the kind of place that instantly transports you to the bustling tapas bars of Spain, with its warm lighting, open kitchen, and the constant buzz of happy diners.

The food is the real star of the show here. The menu changes regularly to make the most of seasonal produce, but you can always expect a fantastic selection of classic and inventive tapas dishes. Their tortilla is a must-try, as are the fried aubergine with molasses and the succulent grilled Ibérico pork. It's the perfect spot for a relaxed meal with friends, a pre-dinner drink and a few nibbles at the bar, or a full-on feast to celebrate a special occasion.

Even better, there’s a special reason to visit this month as Bravas is celebrating its 13th birthday. They're throwing a party on Sunday, 27th July from 1pm, serving up paella and sangria. It's also a fundraiser for Empire Fighting Chance, a brilliant local charity that supports young people through boxing and mentoring. It's sure to be a fantastic party for a great cause. Many happy returns to the team!