NAILSEA
PEOPLE
FOOD FOR THOUGHT - places to eat and drink from local restaurants and takeaways but not including pub grub which are listed below.
Tesco (Costa) and Waitrose supermarkets both have in-house cafes. MPW and bistro are at Cadbury House hotel details on its page HERE
Check out other caterers on the shops listing page by clicking HERE.
Restaurant reviews welcome - email nailseapeople@gmail.com
Backwell Fish Bar
28 West Town Road
Backwell BS48 3HH
Tel: 01275 464292
Backwell House closed
Farleigh Road
Backwell BS48 3QA
TeL: 0117 325 1110
Backwell Indian takeaway
Gateway House
Rodney Road
Backwell BS48 3HL
Tel: 01275 463057
Backwell Grill House
42 Rodney Road
Backwell BS48 3HW
Tel: 01275 463950
Café 119
117-119 Station Road
Nailsea BS48 1TA
Tel: 01275 859991
Coffee #1
1B Somerset Square
Nailsea BS48 1RP
Coffee Corner
Colliers Walk
Nailsea BS48 1RG
Tel: 07976 415178
Costa Coffee
(and another in-store at Tesco)
Somerset Square
Crown Glass Shopping Centre
Nailsea BS48 1RP
Domino's Pizza
16 Crown Glass Place
Nailsea BS48 1RE
Tel: 01275 858885
Golden Horse closed
5-6 Ivy Court
High Street
Nailsea BS48 1AW
Tel: 01275 855700
Heaven Coffee House
2-4 Dark Lane
Backwell BS48 3NP
Indian Cottage takeaway
53 High Street
Nailsea BS48 1AW
Tel: 01275 810644
Ivy Kitchen
61 High Street
Nailsea BS48 1AW
Tel: 01275 235387
Kebab Kitchen
8 Crown Glass Place
Nailsea BS48 1RH
Tel: 01275 810055
Livro Lounge
23-24 Somerset Square
Nailsea, BS48 1RQ
Tel: 01275 244 449
New Garden
(formerly Ming's Kitchen)
84 High Street
Nailsea BS48 1AS
Tel: 01275 855655
Nailsea Fish Bar
128 High Street
Nailsea BS48 1AH
Tel:01275 792266
Noggin's Old Fish Bar
24 Silver Street
Nailsea BS48 2AG
Tel: 01275 853876
OG Bar Star Inn closed
Stone Edge Batch
Clevedon Road
Tickenham BS21 6SE
order online HERE
Paradiso
110 High Street
Nailsea BS48 1AH
Tel:01275 855551
Posh Spice
86 High Street
Nailsea BS48 1AS
Tel: 01275 856627
The Blue Flame Inn
Netherton Wood Lane
Nailsea BS48 4DE
Tel: 01275 856910
The Great Wall Chinese
112 High Street
Nailsea BS48 1AH
Tel: 01275 858161
5-6 Ivy Court
High Street
Nailsea BS48 1AW
Tel: 01275 858735
PUBS AND CLUBS – including the private members and sports clubs * denotes places offering B&B
Backwell Village Club
12 Backwell Hill Road
Backwell BS48 3PL
Tel: 01275 462387
Battleaxes CLOSED
Bristol Road
Wraxall BS48 1LQ
Tel: 01275 857473
Blue Flame Inn
West End
Nailsea BS48 4DE
Tel: 01275 856910
Coates House
91 High Street
Nailsea BS48 1AW
Tel: 01275 858062
Grove Sports Club & Social Centre
off St Mary's Grove
Nailsea BS48 4NQ
Tel:01275 856892
Mizzymead Recreation Centre
Mizzymead Rise
Nailsea BS48 2JJ
Tel: 01275 854181
Moorend Spout
1 Union Street
Nailsea BS48 1AB
Tel: 01275 855336
Nailsea & Backwell Rugby Club
West End Park, West End
Nailsea BS48 4BY
Tel: 01275 810818
Nailsea Masonic Hall
Nailsea Park
Nailsea BS48 1BA
Tel: 01275 853993
Nailsea MicroPub
Unit 4 Ivy Court
63A High Street
Nailsea BS48 1AW
Tel: 0749 642 8350
Nailsea Social Club
(formerly Comrades Club)
Chapel Barton
Nailsea BS48 2ED
Tel: 01275 790023
Old Farmhouse
Trendlewood Way
East End
Nailsea BS48 2PF
Tel: 01275 851889
Sawyers Arms
3 High Street, Nailsea BS48 1BT
Tel: 01275 859869
Star Inn CLOSED
Stone Edge Batch
Clevedon Road
Tickenham BS21 6SE
Tel: 01275 858836
Ring O'Bells reopened
4 St Marys Grove
Nailsea BS48 4NQ
Tel: 01275 405833
Royal Oak
43 High Street
Nailsea BS48 1AS
Tel: 01275 853127
The George
125 Farleigh Road
Backwell BS48 3PG
01275 462770
The Glassmaker - Wetherspoons
12 Crown Glass Place
Nailsea BS48 1RD
Tel: 01275 850230
The Rising Sun
91 West Town Road
Backwell BS48 3BH
Phone:01275 462215
White Lion
13 Silver Street
Nailsea BS48 2AQ
Tel: 01275 544680
Wraxall Village Club
Bristol Road
Wraxall BS48 1LE
Tel: 01275 857729
Food and drink
scroll down for listings for places to eat, pubs and B&Bs plus all market dates. Cadbury House has its own page under What's On dropdown menu HERE and for Christmas menus and booking ideas click HERE. if you want to go further afield have a look at this Portishead site by Jane Batt which gives top 10 places to eat in Posset HERE
2025
A popular North Somerset restaurant has embraced the vegan revolution with the launch of a completely separate plant-based menu that will sit alongside its regular à la carte and seasonal set menus.
Available at Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill at Cadbury House in Congresbury, it means those who already have or are wanting to switch to a more vegan-based diet, will have much more choice when they book a table at the famed chef’s restaurant.
Having increased the number of vegan and vegetarian dishes served during the past few years, the move to have an additional menu, which is purely vegan-based, comes at a time when more and more people are changing their eating habits to include plant only ingredients.
The new menu will now be available throughout the whole year and not just during what has now become known as Veganuary.
The no-nonsense chef, who himself once went vegan, now hopes guests will enjoy the new dishes that sit alongside regular favourites.
Marco Pierre White said
He said: “There is a place for all types of menus and the addition of the new vegan menu reflects what more and more customers now want.
“We’re not compromising on our other menus and there are some delicious classics for all to enjoy – we’re just providing a wider choice with regard to the vegan options.
“The world needs to eat less meat, but the reality is that until now plant-based meat products have fallen way short in terms of the quality and versatility required for our menus.
“I went on a vegan diet once and although I’m back on what I’d call a more balanced diet, I certainly lost a lot of weight.”
The vegan menu includes four starters, four mains and four desserts, so plenty of choice.
Starters include beetroot & walnut salad, bruschetta, roasted tomato soup and zucchini fritti.
On the mains there is an interesting choice including roast root vegetable & bean cassoulet, chimichurri glazed baked cauliflower, chickpea & spinach curry and gnocchi arrabbiata.
Those who have any room left will no doubt want to look at the dessert options which includes granola topped apple crumble, poached seasonal fruits, almond rice pudding and a selection of ice creams and sorbets.
For further information visit https://www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk/our-brands/steakhouse-bar-and-grill/bristol.
Menu adds lots of vegan variety
IT'S HEAVEN: The Backwell crossroads coffee shop is serving vegan and gluten free options to mark Veganuary. Pop in for a coffee and cake
A BETTER WEIGH: Nailsea's newest High Street shop is open. And it will open from Tuesday-Friday 9am-4.30pm and Saturday 9am-4pm. The shop was called Simply Green and run successfully for the past five years by Bethan Walker. It closed briefly in December 2023 and has been since been restocked ready for the January reopening. New owners’ husband and wife Martin and Laura Webster, of A Better Weigh in Clevedon, said it will be business as usual soon selling the same items as Beth including stocking the freezer. They are pictured below with assistant Eleanor who will be running the Nailsea store.
Family Sunday lunch at Coates House was ‘best ever’ thanks to the new management team.
Previously eating at the High Street restaurant/café/bar had been such a hit and miss experience that we had all but given up.
Weird menu, odd décor and poor service coupled with inconsistent food had been the order of the day - the blacked all day breakfast was not my favourite.
Not so now with new brooms Emma and Terry who are in the throes of redecorating and fine-tuning, turning the former Queen’s Head pub back into a destination watering hole and eatery.
Our party of eight concluded it was ‘best ever’ meal at Coates House adding ‘great’, ‘wonderful’ and ‘fantastic’ superlatives when asked their verdict.
And the bill didn’t break the bank either.
We sat watched the young staff (like stagehands moving effortlessly) rearrange the tables and chairs to accommodate differing party sizes; not blinking an eyelid when nearly everyone on our table ordered different meals; and without any fuss the waitress popped quickly across the road to buy an extra lime for our winter berry cocktail requests.
The dining area was full, the noise minimal and our bill for several mojitos and soft drinks followed by pork roast, veggie nut roast, chicken nuggets, beef chilli and Cajun burgers was a tad over £150.
We were too full to order puddings or coffee but will be back to sample other choices and to follow progress. We are particularly pleased to finally have a soft seating area for pre-dining chats.
While in Coates House we chatted to friends from Nailsea MicroPub who told us it was their fourth visit and loved the food that tasted almost 'homemade' but better with no washing-up!
You can download the new Sunday menu HERE and the à la carte one HERE.
Booking is advised as the dining room was full when we were there.
More information, opening hours and contact forms can be found on the new website here https://www.coates-house.co.uk/.
Please note the menus are subject to seasonal changes.
Our original Coates House feature is HERE.
New menus at Coates House
West End, Nailsea 01275 856910
email: theblueflameinn@gmail.com
Happy 3rd birthday from our memories
Happy 1st birthday from our memories
TASTE OF EXCELLENCE: Celebrating success in its first year is White Truffle the Kings Court restaurant in Nailsea. Owner and chef Andy Brooks said: "We are proud to be representing the south west in the final of the small business awards and receiving our first AA rosette. A real team effort." The AA rosette is an award given restaurants in the UK for culinary excellence
CLOSED FOR SUMMER HOLS: From Sunday to Thursday, August 11-September 5 Kebab Kitchen in Nailsea town centre is closed for staff holidays, reopening on Friday, September 6. A Paradiso on the corner of High Street and Link Road is also closed for staff holidays from Monday, August 19 and reopens on Monday, September 2
Loungers plc, the West Country-based café/bar group, is gearing up to open Livro Lounge in Nailsea on Wednesday, August 14, creating 30 jobs for local people.
Livro Lounge will be open all day, every day for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks, including full kids’, gluten-free and vegan menus, served in a relaxed, welcoming space.
The Loungers build and design team has transformed the iconic building in Somerset Square, which used to house Nailsea Library, in their unmistakable and unique style.
A real home from home, Livro Lounge will cater for all tastes throughout the day with a varied and innovative all-day menu.
Particular attention will be paid to families with a selection of games, books, colouring pencils, and pads on offer.
A full menu, high chairs and baby-changing facilities are also available for Little Loungers.
With community and neighbourhood at its heart, Livro Lounge will welcome locals looking for a space for regular catch ups, meetings and events – everything from business networking, book or knitting clubs to parent and baby meets and life drawing classes.
Gemma Irwin, Head of Community, The Lounges, said: “We’re so looking forward to opening the doors of Livro Lounge.
"We hope our family friendly environment and top-notch food and drink offering will prove popular with local residents.
“We’re passionate about integrating genuinely into the communities we serve so we’re looking forward to meeting everyone and to playing our part at the heart of Nailsea’s food and drink scene.
"Anyone looking for a space to host events or groups should pop in once we are open, we’d love to hear from them and see what we can do to help.”
Livro Lounge, is at 23-24 Somerset Square, Nailsea, Bristol BS48 1RQ
It is a neighbourhood café/bar combining elements of coffee shop culture, the British pub and dining. Lounges are found across England and Wales, principally located in secondary suburban high streets and small-town centres.
The sites are characterised by informal, unique interiors with an emphasis on a warm, comfortable atmosphere, often described as a ‘home-from-home’.
Livro Lounge will be the 230th Lounge in the group.
The photos are from the newly opened Ritorno Lounge at Bristol's Harbourside.
The photos from the newly opened Livro Lounge are in the gallery HERE.
And here is one we did earlier
NAILSEA FRUIT & VEG SHOP (AND FLOWERS) : Come on down to Colliers Walk, produce shown in slideshow is absolutely lovely
FIVE A DAY: Nailsea Fruit & Vegetable shop at Colliers Walk, Nailsea has an amazing display of produce on Monday morning, can you name them all in this slideshow? Email answers to nailseapeople@gmail.com and we will give a small taster prize. See autumn discount offer for Wednesdays above...a bargain for customers who enjoy fresh produce...
NEW MENU: For lunch, Sundays and main menus in slideshow to book go to https://whitetrufflerestaurant.co.uk/menu-and-booking/
GREAT BEER: Nailsea MicroPub has made the Good Beer Guide 2025 which makes this the fifth years the tap room off the High Street has warranted a mention - well done Mark and Carolyn who say 'serving quality real ale is what we thrive on'. The guide which features the Rovers Return pub from Coronation Street is available from Thursday, September 26, priced from £14.99 here https://shop1.camra.org.uk/product/the-good-beer-guide-2025/
Nailsea Fruit & Veg Shop Colliers Walk, Nailsea
DRINKS MENU AVAILABLE: Boss Iqbal Miah, of New Posh Spice at High Street Nailsea, wants everyone to know 'we have got our alcohol license'. North Somerset Council licensing team sent a letter of confirmation this week. We have no details of any restrictions that may have been placed on the licence. Earlier this month Nailsea Town Council planning and environment councillors resolved 'that NSC be recommended to refuse the application, because the committee could not be confident that the circumstances had changed since 2023' this dates back to when concerns about staff and food preparation were raised. But in October 2023 the food hygiene rating for Posh Spice was 'generally satisfactory'. A North Somerset Council spokesperson on Monday, September 23, said: "The premises licence applications 28-day consultation period ended at midnight on Tuesday, September 17, and we didn't receive any objections to the application. The licence was therefore granted on Wednesday, September 18, September. Details of the licence will be available on our website by the end of today."To view menu or book a table go to https://www.poshspicenailsea.co.uk/
REGULAR FOOD AND DRINK STALLHOLDERS INCLUDE:
Free range poultry ,eggs and biltong
Organic loaves made using ancient grains
Organic Fruit and vegetables from a beautiful Victorian walled garden near Wrington
Park Farm in Kelston is home to an array of award-winning cheeses, including the famous Bath Soft Cheese and Wyfe of Bath Cheese
Slabs of chocolate fudge
Bellarose Bakes
Gorgeous cakes and sweet treats made with love
Cheddar Spirit Co
Distilled delights from the Cheddar Valley — perfect gifts
Natural dog treats
Garden Chef
Delicious range of Michelin Star worthy pies
Gut-friendly products
Seasonal jams ,jellies ,chutneys, relishes & marmalades
Gurt Lush Granola
Small-batch granola, perfect with yoghurt or milk
Kaland Coffee
Locally roasted coffee beans with rich, fresh flavour
Free range eggs
Loaf Shack
Rustic loaves and artisan breads with serious character
Macaroom
Colourful handmade French macarons and more— a real treat
Locally made Nailsea Cider
Homemade baked goods & preserves
Delicious Indian street food — packed with flavour
Scotch eggs as you’ve never tasted them before!
Saddleback/Large White cross pigs; home reared and produced pork
Wild venison
Salsa as it should be!
Award winning family run fishmongers
Salami, chorizo and cured meats. Made using traditional artisan methods, Somerset ingredients and West Country flavours.
Award winning specialist cheese makers
Artisan loose leaf teas and infusions
Locally roasted barista coffee
Fresh cut flowers & apple juices
A delicious range of gluten free cakes and chocolates
Handmade award-winning sausages
A wide variety of cheddars and flavoured cheeses
Marmalades and jellies
Home bred and forage fed Aberdeen Angus beef
Apple juices and cider
Winnies Bakery produce a range of sourdough and yeasted baked goods
Diners looking to enjoy a meal out in January 2025 can head to Marco Pierre White’s restaurant at Cadbury House in Congresbury where they can tuck into a main course for half the price!
Available at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, anyone who fancies a meal that’s been devised by the renowned chef and restaurateur, will be able to do so for just 50 per cent of the normal price.
Including all main courses* it means anyone who wants to go out for a celebration, date night or just to enjoy a meal out, can do so knowing it will be superb value for money.
Marketing manager Matilda Burgess said: “This is a fantastic offer.
"With the New Year being a time when a lot of people tighten their belts following the over-indulgence of Christmas, to enjoy a main course for half the price is a great way to go out for a meal.
“We have a wonderful variety of main course dishes so there’s plenty of choice for guests to select from.
"This includes roast chicken à la Forestière, roast rump of lamb à la Dijonnaise, escalope of salmon ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ and a mixed Mediterranean vegetable ravioli.
“On the seasonal specials there’s also roast cod with pentils & pancetta, Simpson’s cottage pie, Wheeler’s of St James’s fishcake and a pea & shallot ravioli.
“And anyone who fancies a steak can choose from our superb range of grass-fed, Campbell Brothers’ beef and includes our signature and classic options
“Marco’s philosophy on eating out is about simple, authentic food, served in a great environment with a relaxed atmosphere.
"We serve classic, recognisable dishes that sit perfectly with his ethos of casual, authentic and affordable dining and this offer makes it even more attractive.”
* available on all main courses; not available on sharing steaks
For more information please visit https://www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk/our-brands/steakhouse-bar-and-grill/bristol
Diners January discount
COATES HOUSE LATEST: Improvement continue apace at Coates House in Nailsea High Street, pop and see for yourselves. More information, opening hours and contact forms can be found on the new website here https://www.coates-house.co.uk/. Please note the menus are subject to seasonal changes. Our original Coates House feature is HERE.
2024
CHATTY PEOPLE: There is a bench in the High Street opposite Coates House which sports a plaque saying 'happy to chat' and there is a list on our Healthy Peeps page HERE of places to come in from the cold for a cuppa in the winter. Now we have Chatter & Natter tables at Coates House where customers can sit if they are happy to talk to other customers. Hundreds of venues offer Chatter & Natter tables, in cafes, pubs, libraries, hospitals – anywhere that people can sit and chat over a coffee. This is a first for Nailsea and is every Tuesday 10.30am-noon
A new Nailsea bar may score full marks with customers for its ambiance and wine cellar but hosts Geoff and Julie Downing’s didn’t impress council inspector with their paperwork.
Happily when their posted this statement below on their Facebook page lots of people offered support and good wishes.
This is what they said:
Downing's Bar was recently inspected by North Somerset Council.
Although we take great pride in ensuring the bar is spotlessly clean and hygienic, we were non-compliant in terms of our supporting documentation.
We are grateful for the guidance and advice from the officer at North Somerset Council, which enabled us to immediately take action to remedy the situation.
Relevant systems are now in place, and this has been acknowledged by the inspector.
However, the council was obliged to give us a hygiene rating of 1 as the systems were not in place on the day of the inspection.
We are paying for a re-inspection.
We are gutted as the Downing's team work so hard to give the best possible quality service to our valued customers in an immaculately clean environment.
However, we accept that as an enthusiastic new business, our inexperience was reflected in this way.
If you have any queries, please do let us know.
Best wishes, Geoff & Julie
TO BOOK: Go to https://momplayspace.com/pages/book. More M.O.M on our Marketplace page HERE & Young Peeps page HERE
PUDDING PEOPLE: It was cocktail hour at Downing’s Bar before sauntering past a packed Nailsea MicroPub with its good beer rugby crowd along High Street to the pudding tasting evening at Coates House with the family. The restaurant organised the tasting of desserts made inhouse by their talented chefs and for those with a sweet tooth it was the crème brûlée which came tops on our table. Lots of cream, raspberry sauce and chocolate to enjoy on a plate of five puds. Thanks to Emma and her staff for lovely evening
Coates House
Families wanting to show their mums just how much they mean to them can create lasting memories at one of North Somerset’s favourite restaurants on Sunday, March 30.
Driven by the enduring memory of his own mother, Maria Rosa Gallina, the famed chef and restaurateur Marco Pierre White knows all too well the importance of making the most of having someone special you can love, appreciate and have around as a guiding light.
The team at his Steakhouse Bar & Grill at Cadbury House in Congresbury is now preparing for one of the busiest days of the year, where guests will be able to enjoy a family meal together while spoiling the most important person in their life.
Gareth Ireland, general manager said: “Our Sunday lunches are always popular and this Mothering Sunday will be no exception.
"We’ll also be running our afternoon tea if families are looking to do something slightly different and is just as nice a way to get everyone together and offers a mix of sweet and savoury treats.
“Marco said in his book The Devil in the Kitchen that it wasn’t until he was 31-years-old before he could analyse the tremendous impact of his mother’s life, and death, upon his own.
“Treating your mum to a nice Sunday lunch or afternoon tea in a relaxed environment is a lovely way to show how much you care.
“Mums are always running around after everyone else and often don’t take any time for themselves.
A meal out will show her that she can be looked after too and give her a day to remember.
“That’s why he’ll be pulling out all the stops so that from the moment guests arrive they are made to feel special, especially the mums.”
For further information or to book please visit https://www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk/our-brands/steakhouse-bar-and-grill/bristol
Mothering Sunday with Marco Pierre White
WHAT'S NEW: Downing's bar in the High Street has a five food hygiene rating and planning permission has been granted for an outdoor cafe area - go try
VAN MEN: We’re thrilled to announce the grand opening of Bossman Kebab Van! Swing by for freshly grilled kebabs piled high with crispness and our sauces—perfect for a quick evening treat. Find us at Blackfriars Road, off Hannah More Road daily from 5-11pm.
But for another mobile food van Bristol Live report about an issues with North Somerset Council trading standards officers. This is concerning Thai by Tai, of Cheddar, when is parked in a Nailsea pub car park, read more here https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/local-news/food-van-starts-charging-10p-10190735
An early bird menu from 6-7pm is at White Truffle every Wednesday and Thursday. Book your table online at www.whitetrufflerestaurant.co.uk or call 01275 858735 please note Saturday to Tuesday, May 24-June 10 restaurant closed for staff holidays
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from Father's Day on Sunday, June 15, Nailsea MicroPub will be open on Sundays - 3-8pm, see front page advert
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Every Tuesday 10.30am-noon Chatter & Natter tables at Coates House - and its new early evening a la carte menu is on this page, scroll down
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until further notice Ring O'Bells will be closed on Mondays and at 11pm NOT midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and other opening hours have changed too
Foodie news
Now serving specialist afternoon teas and coffee
Phone orders 0777 711 6440
Parked at Blackfriars Road, Nailsea
WHOA IT'S WEDNESDAY Downing's bar in the High Street is serving Paradiso pizzas on Wednesday evenings to compliment its extensive drinks menu.
Saturday, September 20th, is the next High Street farmers' market
Nailsea Farmers' Market trades throughout the year except in January on the third Saturday of each month with a variety of food, drink, craft and guest community stalls.
Every month there are more 50 stalls booked by Somerset Farmers' Market filling the High Street with activity and bustle, music and weather as they welcome farmers, food producers, craftspeople and customers!
Our market photos are in our gallery HERE.
Setting out their stalls some months are The Plants by Ogie Placido which featured in Garden News Magazine and Karen Osborne who mans the Made For You craft stall which has had a slot on Really TV.
The market continues to expand and is the biggest in North Somerset and beyond with many regulars returning every month.
It opens 9am-1pm, all along the High Street which will be closed to traffic all day.
At No 65 High Street there is a Q&A information desk manned by Nailsea town councillors from 10am-noon.
In August eight councillors where in attendance.
Nailsea MicroPub usually has early doors for those wanting good cheer usually from 10am.
Lots of slideshows in our galleries HERE and for more information visit www.somersetfarmersmarkets.co.uk
dates for 2025 to come
WHAT A NIGHT: Well it was Wednesday evening, June 11, actually for the first wine tasting at Downings Bar in the High Street. Hosted by Franschhoek & Boschendal UK and Ireland business manager Ian Haggie and LWC Drinks Wiltshire wine development manager Corinne O’Connor and this was the first of many planned tastings. As well as six South Africa wines to taste you got a bit of a history and geography lesson about wine growing in the ‘rainbow’ nation and a plate of some green and black grapes, specialist cheeses and dry biscuits to nibble while sipping. We started with a Boschendal Cap Classique Brut which is made the same way as Champagne and the only frizzy white on the menu; followed unhurriedly by a Franschhoek Cellar Unoaked Chardonnay grown in a ‘magnificent breath-taking valley’; Boschendal Sommelier Selection Chenin Blanc was a 2021 vintage and we learn more chenin is grown in South Africa than anywhere else in the world and it is a good accompaniment for oysters (and other foods); Boschendal Sommelier Selection Pinoage 2018 which we are told is a difficult grape to grow and finally Franschhoek Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon. By the final glass I couldn’t read my notes so which one was described as a wine with a ‘frisky finish’ or that its surplus grapes are made into brandy we can’t tell you but suggest you sign up for the next tasting when as well as fine wines you will be in good company. Thank you Geoff and Julie for a fabulous hangover on a school night for me and my friends, xx
ARTS & CRAFT STALLS
Bristol Woodturning
Beautiful handmade wooden gifts and kitchenware
Clevedon Bag Co
Stylish and sustainable bags (and more)... all crafted locally
Colour Me Designs
Colourful homewares and accessories with bold flair
DeMilles Botanicals
Natural skincare, lotions and handmade botanical products
Dragon Fly Jewellery
Handcrafted jewellery pieces with personality
Grandma's Knitting
Cosy knits made with love and care
Granny Bear Crafts
Soft toys, knits and keepsakes for all ages
Janes Flower Pots
Hand-decorated plant pots and floral home décor
The Industrial Modern
Urban-inspired crafts with a contemporary edge
Yeti Cards
Simply lovely, creative cards and gifts for every occasion
RINGERS LAUNCH: It was loud and lovely with music and dancing on the covered patio, children playing on the bouncy castle and thirsty queues at the bar. New Ring o'Bells landlords Chris and Nancy are from Patchway and have lots of experience running pubs and working men's clubs. It was their 20--year-old rugby playing son Reece who manned the barbecue, he said the burgers had all gone by 6pm. The pub was spick 'n' span and really friendly. We talked to Connor who came to deliver a Dominoes pizza ordered by some hungry garden people. It was a real family occasion with lots of familiar Nailsea people. Unfortunately Stonegate Group, which owns pubs nationwide didn't include the St Mary's Grove pub in its 'biggest ever' free pint giveaway on Sunday to mark the Women's Euro Final. However, drinkers will only be able to claim a free pint if England win the title! Stop press: and they did...
Geoff and Julie, of Downing’s Bar, hosted their second wine tasting of a series on Tuesday, July 29, and it was a sparkling occasion thanks to the copious amount of English champagne served!
Home counties sommelier Claudia Bradley, the business development manager of Silverhand Estate, introduced four wines from the Kent vineyard all paired with an assortment of nibbles.
The grapes for the Silverhand Estate are grown on the UK's largest single organic vineyard covering more than 500 acres of rich heritage and natural beauty.
The fluted Silver Reign Brut was accompanied by smoked salmon blinis followed by a bubbly Rose with goats’ cheese on a wheat biscuit and then a non-vintage classic Brut with port and apple sausage rolls.
The evening concluded with the sugar-free flagship blanc-de-blancs paired with a skewer of fresh strawberries and glasses were raised and the catchphrase ‘Cheers, Tim! Cheers, Simon!’ shouted during a recording on video made for the Channel 4 Sunday Brunch programme - see attached video as the shoutout actually happened!
The High Street over 18s wine bar is usually open Wednesday to Saturday, with the rock and pop band Salvage Crew playing live on Saturday, August 2, and a day at the Chelmsford races for September.
More details online at https://downingsbar.co.uk/ or check out their Facebook page.
Fine wine and good company at Downing's Bar
