Bristol’s Michelin Successes: It has been a fantastic week for the city's hospitality scene with the release of the Michelin Guide 2026. Wilson's on Chandos Road has successfully retained both its Michelin Star and its Green Star (for sustainability) - a massive achievement for Jan, Mary, and the team who continue to set the standard. Meanwhile, the Bib Gourmand accolades - awarded for "good quality, good value cooking" - have been retained by a host of local independent favourites. COR on North Street, BOX-E at Wapping Wharf, The Blaise Inn in Henbury, Little Hollows Pasta in Redland, and Bedminster's OTHER are all on the list again this year, joining the many other Bristol spots that have held onto their Bibs. It’s brilliant to see so many hard-working teams getting the recognition they deserve.

National Burger Awards Finalists: Bristol is officially punching above its weight in the burger game, with four local spots named as finalists for the 2026 National Burger Awards. Danny’s Burgers (St Werburghs), Dodo Pub Co (The All Inn, Staple Hill), Mollie’s (Cribbs), and Oowee Diner (Southville) have all made the cut. They will be heading to London on March 24th to cook off against the best in the UK to try and bring the title home.

Two Ways Coffee: The team behind the popular Queen's Avenue cafe are expanding with a second site opening soon on Bond Street (near the Bearpit). Unlike the original site, this won't be doing sourdough loaves but will focus heavily on their Italian and Turkish heritage. Expect their famous maritozzi buns (sweet cream-filled brioche), pistachio cornettos, and savoury boreks. They have said it’s been a tough renovation, but they are nearly ready to go.

Billie's Cafe: A new produce-led neighbourhood cafe is opening soon at 365 Gloucester Road (formerly Deck). It is a family affair with a focus on focaccia sandwiches, soups, and salads served from breakfast through to lunch. The hand-crafted signage is already up, and the fit-out looks nearly done, so keep an eye out for doors opening shortly.

Burra Latte Art Masterclass (Feb 23rd): If you are looking to up your home coffee game, Burra on Lower Redland Road is hosting a hands-on workshop to teach the science of milk frothing and pouring techniques. It’s £50 per person, running from 5pm to 7pm, and includes personalised feedback from their baristas. There are only 6 tickets available, so move fast.

Paint and Pizzetta (Feb 25th): A lovely collaboration between Studio Pachira and Sonny Stores in Southville. They are taking over the restaurant for an evening of unguided painting accompanied by a 3-course set menu from chefs Cai and Pegs - with their legendary pizzettas taking centre stage. Tickets are very limited (only 26 spots); booking is via the Sonny Stores website.

Wine Tasting & 5 Course Set Menu at One Fish Street (Mar 3rd): A fun concept at the intimate One Fish Street in Redland. For £65, you get a five-course menu where every dish is paired with two wines (one Old World, one New World) provided by Halo Wines. You taste both and vote for the winner. It starts at 7pm and is a great chance to see how different regions tackle the same grapes.

Ronnie's "Beer Food" Pop-up (Mar 9th): COR on North Street is handing the keys over to their own chef Rob Gillespie and Briar Simmons (brewer at Bristol Beer Factory) for a one-off "Beer Food" night. The menu draws on their travels through Asia and their roots in NZ and Australia. It's £60 for a six-course tasting menu, with an optional £25 beer pairing curated by Briar. Kick off is 6:30pm.

Rohit Ghai & Shishir Sinha Collaboration Dinner (Mar 11th): This one is huge from Nutmeg Street Kitchen. They are hosting Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai (ex-Jamavar and Kutir) for a one-night-only collaboration with their own Executive Chef Shishir Sinha. The menu includes an amuse-bouche plus 5 courses for just £44, which is frankly incredible value for this calibre of cooking. It’s one sitting at 7pm.

A Celebration of Fish & Shellfish (Mar 12th): The Kensington Arms in Redland is putting on a six-course seafood feast created by Head Chef Hector Browne. Expect snacks including oyster and crab, followed by potted trout, scallops, chargrilled monkfish, and a frangipane finish. Tickets are £65pp, and there is an optional wine flight available from their Bar Manager, Lauren.

Piemonte Wine Dinner (Mar 18th): Bianchis in Montpelier is hosting a night dedicated to the flavours of Piemonte and the wines of Barbaresco. Sous chef Luca and Head Chef Emilio are serving a five-course menu for £70pp (bubbles included on arrival). There is an optional wine flight for £50 to match the food. To book this one, you need to email them directly.

Windmill Hill Market (Mar 21st): The market returns to Windmill Hill City Farm for the new season. They have shifted the format slightly - it's less frequent than before but with a larger footprint, meaning stalls will be spread throughout the farmyard and gardens. Expect over 50 stalls featuring street food, local producers, and designer makers, running from 10am to 3pm.

For over 18 years, The Spiny Lobster has been a Whiteladies Road institution, and for good reason. It’s owned by a team who simply want to share the food they love, and that passion translates directly onto the plate. The menu changes daily depending on the catch, but the real star here is the method: they specialise in cooking over an open fire on a Josper grill. Cooking at over 350 degrees on charcoal gives their seafood and meats a distinct, seared flavour that you just can't replicate at home. Whether you're after scallops, native lobster, or a whole Dover sole, the focus is always on letting the freshness of the ingredients speak for itself.

It’s not just about the restaurant, though. Right next door is their dedicated fishmonger, run by Barney - born and bred in Bristol with 30 years of experience in some of the city's best kitchens (including The Pony & Trap and The Glassboat). The counter is stocked daily with fish delivered straight from markets in Devon and Cornwall, from monkfish and John Dory to sushi-grade tuna. It’s the perfect spot to pick up something for dinner if you can't get a table, or grab some of their house-made taramasalata and a bottle of Spiny Gin. If you’ve never visited this Clifton staple, it’s well worth a try.

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