Dine on the Deck at SS Great Britain: A new all-day dining spot has opened on the historic harbour, featuring interiors made from the ship’s reclaimed wood and a menu full of local suppliers (think Wookey Hole croquettes and Wogan coffee). A percentage of profits supports the ship's conservation. The Deal: 50% off food on Fri & Sat nights (from 6pm) until Dec 19th when you book online.

Carmen Street Wine: A warm welcome to Stokes Croft's newest resident. This independent bottleshop has just celebrated a hectic opening week and they aren't slowing down. Beyond retail, they are launching straight into events with Saturday breakfasts (10am-12pm) and a "Sunday Funday" session featuring Christmas vibes and Guinness.

The Rolling Crêpes: Keep your eyes peeled for a new two-wheeled vendor in the city centre. A cargo bike converted into a crêpe-making machine has hit the streets, pedalling around Bristol serving freshly made crêpes. Follow your nose (or their socials) to find out where they park up next.

New Bristol Brewery: A "Buzz Alert" for the local brewing scene - New Bristol Brewery's "Bristol Lager" has been named in a "Top 50 UK Best Beer List". It is a solid nod to the quality coming out of the St Pauls brewery. You can grab some online or from their usual trade spots.

Pinkmans Stokes Croft: It is official - the bakery legends have opened their new cafe on the Croft. They celebrated the launch with free sourdoughnuts, and the new spot is now fully operational serving their famous baked goods. A dangerous addition for anyone working nearby.

Flat Iron: The popular steakhouse is finally opening its doors on Clare Street this Friday. However, the real news is the pre-opening event: they are giving away 300 Wagyu steaks on Thursday, December 4th from 5pm. Expect queues, so get there early if you want a slice of the action.

Festive Pop-ups at Carouse Wines (Dec 3rd): The independent wine shop is hosting a series of events to kick off December. On Wednesday, catch a three-course pop-up meal with 'Truffled of Totterdown', followed by a 'Drink & Draw' community session on Thursday 4th and wreath making on the 6th.

Stranger Things Tasting at KASK² (Dec 3rd & Dec 10th): KASK is marking the final season of Stranger Things with a tasting they have been planning for ages. They are pouring five wines that would "never be served in a red-trousered establishment" - think crazy uses of Sauvignon B and plenty of natural wine funk. Catch it at KASK North St on the 3rd, or if you missed out on tickets, they are running it again at KASK² on Cheltenham Rd on the 10th.

Introduction to Fermented Vegetables (Dec 4th): If you are looking to learn a new skill before the New Year, Get Pickled Somerset is running a workshop in Frome this Thursday. You will learn the science of fermentation, taste pickles from their archive, and make your own kimchi and sauerkraut to take home.

eat:Nailsea Christmas Food Festival (Dec 6th): A massive foodie day out hitting the Crown Glass Shopping Centre and High Street this Saturday. Expect over 100 local and regional producers, ranging from farmers' market staples like cheese and ales to street food and gifts. Free to attend.

Christmas Market in the Ponds (Dec 6th): Fishponds is hosting a community Christmas market this Saturday. It is a great chance to support local makers, with stalls including GingerBeard's Preserves, The Cheese Connection, and Everest Bread.

Michelin Star Collab: Sonny Stores x Wilsons (Dec 10th): Two of Bristol's heavy hitters are joining forces for a special charity dinner next week. The Michelin-starred Wilsons will be cooking alongside the Sonny Stores team for a festive edition of "At The Table". Tickets are £48 for a three-course meal and fizz, supporting The MAZI Project.

If you've been wandering around the Harbourside recently, you might have spotted newcomer Soft Buoys. It’s a dedicated spot for two of life’s greatest comforts: proper grilled cheese sandwiches and soft serve ice cream. They’re also taking their caffeine seriously, pouring coffee using beans from local favourites Triple Co Roast.

With the festive season kicking off, their Christmas Special is the current headline act. It’s a heavy-hitter featuring their usual five-cheese blend combined with a sausage and stuffing patty (sourced from the excellent Beast Butchers) and Bath Soft cheese. To cut through the richness, they’ve added a Pedro Ximenez & Guinness chutney, and crucially, it comes with a pot of roasted beef bone gravy for dipping. It is available right up until Christmas.

It is worth keeping a close eye on their Instagram for the latest updates on weekly specials. For those looking to visit, current opening hours are Monday to Thursday 08:00–15:30, Friday 08:00–17:30, and Saturday 10:00–16:00 (closed Sundays).

More info: instagram.com/softbuoysbristol

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