Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

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United Kingdom : Bristol - March 2010

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This compact city nestles amid lush countryside and flourishes in spring, when its parks and green spaces come into bloom. Bristol’s vibrant cultural life also blossoms, with a highlight being jazz trumpeter Abram Wilson bringing his groundbreaking autobiographical project to Colston Hall (colstonhall.org) on 6 March. Sarah Ellis explores the outdoors, dipping into the best bars and restaurants when the sun goes down

Getting around

Bristol International Airport

Bus: The Bristol International Flyer connects the airport to Temple Meads Rail Station and Bristol Bus Station, with drop-off points around the city centre including Clifton. Services run every 15-20 minutes between 5am and 12.10am from Temple Meads. A return ticket costs €10/£7.
Taxi: A single journey from the airport to the city centre costs around €23/£16 and takes about 30 minutes.
Tourist information: The central tourist information is at Wildwalk-At-Bristol, Harbourside (tel. , visitbristol.co.uk).

CLIFTON

This long established, elegant district feels like a break from the city. Located near Bristol’s rolling Downs and the breathtaking Suspension Bridge, it has a quaint, village-like atmosphere.

Sleep soundly – The Avon Gorge Hotel (Sion Hill, tel. , theavongorge.com, rooms from €78/ £69) is a refined establishment that’s long held its own as the ideal base for the exploration of Clifton and Bristol beyond. Request a ‘gorge-side’ room for awe-inspiring views of the bridge.

Culture vultures – Work off your indulgences with brisk walk through the expansive Ashton Court Estate, about half a mile from the bridge. The stunning vistas and deer park make this a prime destination for sunny days.

Must eat – Just around the corner, the Blue Rhubarb (50 Princess Victoria Street, tel. ) restaurant is beautifully airy and boasts excellent, modern-British cuisine. Alternatively, sit down for tea and homemade cake while watching some pots being thrown at The Village Pottery (70 Princess Victoria Street, tel. ).

Must drink – The real ale scene is thriving here, and there’s nowhere better to enjoy it than the sunny courtyard of the Grade II-listed Albion (Boyces Avenue).

CITY CENTRE

The fountains of St Augustine’s Parade, flanked by wooden sail structures, mark the central point of the city. From here, streets spread out in a spidery formation, and you’ll delight in discovering what each path offers.

Sleep soundly – Even the seasoned traveller will be impressed by the loft-style suites in the boutique Hotel Du Vin (Narrow Lewins Mead, tel. , hotelduvin.com/bristol, rooms from €152/£135).

Culture vultures – An overhaul in 2009 has transformed Colston Hall (13 Colston Street) into Bristol’s top venue for live music. Catch the abovementioned Abram Wilson, or the London Symphony Orchestra on 12 March.

Must eat – The banquet-style tables give Budokan (31 Colston Street, tel. ) a casual atmosphere. The pan-Asian food is delicious, and excellent value for money – the curry laksa is a particular favourite.

Shop til you drop – Karen Reilly (16 Christmas Steps) does bespoke dresses, Trevor Jones (13 Christmas Steps) makes woodwind instruments, and beautifully crafted clocks are on offer at Veron Ikon (Christmas Steps).

OLD TOWN

The heart of Bristol throbs in Corn Street and flows through Welsh Back and Castle Park alike. Here the history is visual, as is the progress; Queen Anne architecture sits comfortably next to contemporary design.

Sleep soundly – With an enviable waterside location, the Mercure Bristol Brigstow (5-7 Welsh Back, tel. , mercure.com, rooms from €78/£69) is an excellent option. Plasmas in the bathrooms offer a modern twist.

Culture vultures – The oldest theatre auditorium in the UK, Bristol Old Vic (36 King Street) puts on a heady mix of the traditional and current. Juliet and her Romeo, opening on 10 March, is a good example: a modern take on a Shakespearean classic that puts the lovers in an old people’s home.

Must eat – The elegant, romantic Glass Boat (Welsh Back, tel. ) is a city stalwart. The food is locally sourced, and the fish is particularly good. Just down the dock, Riverstation (The Grove, tel. ) offers modern-European cuisine at its finest. The pistachio panna cotta with morello cherries and hazelnut biscotti tastes as good as it sounds.

Must drink – The Llandoger Trow (King Street) dates back to 1664 as the city’s oldest pub, while over the road The Old Duke (45 King Street) pioneered the jazz tradition in Bristol.

Dance the night away – For a funky night out, try the New Young Pony Club gig at Thekla (The Grove) on 17 March.

Compiled by Sarah Ellis