A Bristol pub has been included in the official Top 100 Estrella Damm list of Gastropubs for 2025. Over the past two weeks, Estrella Damm has been counting down to the unveiling of its official top 50, by counting down number 100 to 51 in the list – and a pub in Bristol is among them.
The Clifton has been ranked at number 70 in the coveted list. In 2024, it was voted the 65th best gastropub by Estrella, and it also has a Bib Gourmand under its belt, too. The Clifton was also reviewed by Bristol Live last week in our ‘pub of the week’ series.
The pub on Regent Street describes itself as serving up ‘good quality food and drink in a relaxed informal surroundings’, as well as a ‘thriving local watering hole that has been keeping locals’ thirst at bay for many years’. Alongside its bar, it offers a daily changing, seasonal menu in its dining rooms.
There is a focus on cooking over fire using the pub’s custom-made Parrilla Grill, and serving up sharing and feasting dishes using ingredients from artisan suppliers in the surrounding Bristol area, as well as produce from its own smallholding. As with the team’s other pubs in Wales, seasonality is at the heart of its dishes, and everything is made from scratch in the kitchen – from sourdough bread and cultured butter, to fresh pasta.
The team add: “This is not pretentious fine dining; it’s just about good food, whether you’ve been for a long walk with your dog or have got something to celebrate. We’re very excited to bring our regional cooking to Bristol!
“We are proud to say that we earned both a Bib Gourmand from Michelin and landed ourselves 65th on the Top 100 Gastropubs list by Estrella, all within 7 months of opening the doors!”
It’s even received four-star reviews from The Times reviewer William Sitwell, and even the Queen’s son, Tom Parker Bowles.
According to The Michelin Guide: “The trendy suburb of Clifton is home to this rustic, aptly named pub from the team behind the Hare & Hounds in Aberthin, who’ve crossed the border to bring the same brand of unpretentious, locally inspired cooking to England. The menu includes both small plates and larger sharing options – like braised short rib or Cull Yaw shepherd’s pie – which are generous in both size and flavour.
“Well-priced wines and local ales are on hand for extra refreshment, and midweek sees a particularly good value lunch menu.”
What is The Estrella Damm Top Gastropubs List?
According to its official website: “The “Estrella Damm” Top 50 Gastropub Awards are voted for by the hospitality industry. It is a list of the best places to eat chosen by your peers, meaning these highly acclaimed venues are being recognised as being the best in the business by the most influential people.
“As well as the core 1 to 50 list of the best pubs, we also introduced a 51-100 list in 2019 which further highlight culinary excellence within the pub industry. There is also a selection of special awards that are judged by an expert panel.
“Our authoritative voting academy is made up of more than 350 industry experts from across the country. These voters are either gastropub operators, food writers, pubco catering development managers and executive chefs, celebrity and top hospitality industry chefs, pub guide editors, industry chiefs and food operators.
“Voters are either approached directly or can apply by contacting us on [email protected]. Voters represent regions across the UK to avoid any regional bias.”