River Cottage Canteen Bristol is probably a little known, little gem. The newly established progeny of the successful Axminster canteen is set to rise in popularity, if not for the good tasting, honest grub then for the league of more sustainably aware and environmentally sound restaurants popping up throughout the country. Unlike some of these restaurants, River cottage doesn't pang of pretentiousness but instead provides a great, no fuss, reasonably priced and family friendly place to eat.
To celebrate the end of National Vegetarian Week and Bristol Veg Fest, we dined at River cottage. Also in celebration, RC Bris made a very brave move and declared an all vegetarian menu for the whole day. I'd like to hope that not only vegetarians sampled its delights, but also that meat eaters were able to taste some great vegetarian food to satisfy any pallet. Although I myself was joined by two meat eaters I can't help remembering the moment when dinning in a gorgeous vegan restaurant in York, a family of 'meat eaters' sat down, peered at their menus and promptly left again... I think the lack of mysterious pulses and whole foods and also the safety blanket of 'chips on the side' make RC an ideal place for a first veggie dining experience.
River Cottage Bristol's informal dinning area and welcoming staff made it a real pleasure to eat out. The service was perhaps slow at times but easily forgiven as they're still finding their feet. Their 'open kitchen' or 'food theater' is a love it or hate it thing but the bustle and array of ingredients really added to the relaxed atmosphere. Now down to the food! It was fresh, flavorsome and in some cases, down right beautiful. Among the starters were aubergine and feta parcels and fava bean falafels. Pickled racchio pizzas and freshly made flatbreads were all baked in the stone based oven on display. I'ts a mean feat to achieve such a degree of satisfaction when the food actually tastes like its doing you good, but River Cottage managed it. With their ever changing menus in time with the seasons, they won't fail to get returning customers. So if you're looking for somewhere refreshingly local, environmentally conscious and down right tasty it is definitely worth a visit.
Eat local, Eat seasonal, Eat well.
Small Cook xx
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