Three restaurants in Bristol have been awarded Bib Gourmands from the Michelin Guide this week. In addition to Bristol now being able to boast two Michelin Starred restaurants in the way of Bulrush on Cotham Road, and Wilsons on Chandos Road, more of our favourite eateries have been acknowledged as serving up ‘great food at a great price’ by the experts.
The Bib Gourmand distinction is described as being The Michelin Guide’s way of ‘recognising restaurants that offer good food at a great price’. It adds that ‘while all Bib Gourmands are unique in style and approach, they share the same spirit of generosity and a commitment to quality cooking’. This year, no less than 36 restaurants have been newly awarded a Bib Gourmand, showing ‘the wealth of restaurants around the UK and Ireland that are committed to offering affordable, high-quality cooking’.
In addition to the Bristol names awarded the coveted recognition, an array of South West venues were also among those handed a Bib Gourmand. Here’s a list of Bristol and West Country restaurants among those new Bib Gourmand recipients, and what you can expect from a visit…
Little Hollows Pasta, Bristol
Address: 26 Chandos Road, Bristol, BS6 6PF
Little Hollows Pasta opened in 2021 and, within a year, was named among the new additions to the Michelin Guide, highlighting the world’s best independent restaurants. It offers fresh pasta made daily on site, and BristolLive previously described the pasta as “perfect”, almost completely mastering a strong, Italian-inspired menu just a few weeks after opening.
The Michelin Guide says: “Bristol’s pasta-lovers are really being spoilt with this rustic bistro run by a charming and knowledgeable team. The pasta itself is freshly made in house each morning and then hung out in the window to dry, before being fashioned into bright, flavour-packed dishes.
“The options are often vegetable-centric, but do look out for the utterly delicious shellfish spaghetti. For dessert, it’s all about the Italian classics, including a generously portioned pistachio tiramisu that will end your visit on a high. The set lunch menu is quite the bargain.”
Other, Bristol
Address: 32 Cannon Street, Bedminster, BS3 1BN
Other is the brand new restaurant from the former head chef of popular Casamia, Zak Hitchman. Opening in 2024, some two years after Casamia closed its doors, Other is very different in look and style, with bright bold colours making it stand out.
In some of his early descriptions, Zak dubbed his new space as being “very colourful, open to all, independently owned, locally sourced, nice drinks, cool new smoker oven, hot doughnuts, Dean Lane adjacent, North Street neighbours, Cannon Street massive, small plated, bigger plates, snacks, super tasty”.
The Michelin Guide says: “If you were to ask Chef Zak what kind of food he cooks, you may not get a clear answer, such is the variety of influences that he skilfully adopts. That’s borne out here in a playful, constantly changing menu served inside this small, modish bistro with bright orange walls.
“If there’s anything on the menu involving the hot and sour crab sauce, don’t hesitate in ordering it, as it’s the perfect encapsulation of the kitchen’s understanding of flavour. Everything, including the wines, comes with an appealing price tag and the friendly service is the icing on the cake.”
Tare Bistro, Bristol
Address: Unit 25, Cargo 2, Museum Street, Wapping Wharf, BS1 6ZA
Tare Bistro opened in October 2023 as a sibling business to Tare, a 20-cover restaurant that opened in 2017 but closed its doors in June 2024. Owner/chef Matt Hampshire decided to close the smaller of the two restaurants when there was a dip in customers at Tare, which was more fine dining than its more informal sibling.
Tare Bistro, now neighbouring the newly opened Tare Bar on Wapping Wharf, has often been named one of the top 100 local restaurants in the country, by The Good Food Guide. And now it has a Bib Gourmand under its belt, too.
The Michelin Guide says: “You could easily miss this terrific little restaurant housed in a shipping container on the trendy foodie haven of Wapping Wharf. What a shame that would be, as chef-owner Matt Hampshire has crafted a relaxed, stripped-back eatery where the cooking is uncomplicatedly delicious and provides brilliant value for money – especially on the set lunch menu.
“Dishes such as a bowl of expertly cooked Fowey mussels with cider marinière sauce are a perfect demonstration of Matt’s unfussy, technically adept sharing plates.”
Horse & Groom, Bourton-on-The-Hill, Gloucestershire
Address: Bourton on the Hill, GL56 9AQ
The Michelin Guide says: “Offering a lovely overall package that includes bedrooms and a warming atmosphere, this cosy pub makes a perfect base for exploring the Cotswolds. The 19th-century building has been renovated into a fine-looking property, with a bar area where every local and their dog can have a relaxing drink.
“The cooking is generous in both size and flavour, with desserts a highlight thanks to options like the terrific poached pear and almond tart. Several themed evenings offer particularly great value for money, be it ‘pie night’ or ‘steak and a pint’.”
Argoe, Newlyn
Address: The Strand, Newlyn, TR18 5HW
The Michelin Guide says: “Part-owned by a local fishmonger and named after an old fishing boat, this modern, wood-clad ‘shack’ overlooks Newlyn Harbour, where much of its produce lands. The concise menu offers great value seafood dishes designed for sharing, varying daily depending on the catch.
“Whether it’s sardines or black bream, the grill-centric cooking remains pleasingly simple and wholly enjoyable, allowing the quality fresh produce to do the work. On-tap natural wines are served by the glass and carafe. Be sure to book a table on the covered waterside terrace when the sun’s out.”
Briar, Bruton
Address: 1 High Street, Bruton, BA10 0AB
The Michelin Guide says: “Within the charming Georgian hotel that is Number One Townhouse, sits this attractive restaurant which we’d all love to have at the end of our street. It’s the kind of place that warms your heart, run with a genuine friendliness and enthusiasm that’s mirrored by the bright, fresh cooking that can’t help but put a smile on your face.
“Order three to four of the sharing plates per person and you’ll be treated to great value dishes that burst with flavour – like the buttermilk fried partridge enlivened by pickled shallots and tarragon mayonnaise.”
North Street Kitchen, Fowey
Address: 55 North Street, Fowey, PL23 1DB
The Michelin Guide says: “In the busy months you might have to queue at this simple, trendy boat house conversion – but it’s well worth the wait. The menu is constantly changing as it’s informed by the freshest catch from nearby waters, with the array of seafood allowed to shine with a delicious purity thanks to the simplicity of the preparations.
“Fowey oysters are often a favourite, as is the signature brown crab rarebit. Owner Ethan cooks on his own and there’s an endearingly rustic, no-nonsense feel to the place.”