Mums are great aren’t they? Despite all the stress we put them through in our teenage years (apologies again for that, Mum!), they’re always there to pick up the pieces and make us feel better with some home-cooked comfort food (or if you’ve got a Mum who isn’t a dab hand in the kitchen, she’ll at least order you a Domino’s).
This Mothering Sunday, the shoe will be firmly placed on the other foot, as it’s your turn to treat Mum to a delicious meal. If your cooking skills aren’t up to Nigella Lawson’s standards, you’re best leaving it to the experts. Read below for our pick of great restaurants for Mother’s Day in Bristol and get booking.
No. 4 Clifton Village
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Why: Treat your mum to a gorgeous garden view and a relaxing atmosphere at this rustic-chic restaurant inside Clifton’s Rodney Hotel. Boasting a roaring fireplace, you and your Mum will be able to stay cosy while tucking into dishes such as a spiced crab cake with salted mango salsa, and pork escalope with potato hash, charred leeks, capers and a drizzle of apple cider jus. Vegetarian mummies are well-catered for too, thanks to dishes such as a butternut squash and thyme risotto. It’s all rather good value, too!
Where: The Rodney Hotel 4 Rodney Place, BS8 4HY
Book now: No. 4 Clifton Village
The Ashton
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Why: Set in picturesque surrounds, The Ashton is a pub, bar and restaurant which boasts it’s very own courtyard and garden. Don’t expect lazy pub grub here, as the menu of upmarket dishes includes a pot of lobster and king prawns which is served with a dollop of crème fraiche and ciabatta bread. Those looking for something simpler can opt for a burger or a hand-stretched pizza, with topping combinations including chorizo, pepperoni, bacon, and pork and fennel sausage. There’s a crowd-pleasing kids menu too (perfect for any little ones in the family!)
Where: Ashton Road, BS41 9LX
The Ox
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Why: This basement joint serves up a best-of-British offering which majors in locally-sourced steaks. However, it’s the hearty Sunday lunch that really pulls in the crowds. You can start with dishes such as hickory-smoked sticky ribs or a smoked mackerel pate with sourdough toast, before moving on to your roast for mains. Options include beef or lamb, served with trimmings of roast potatoes, root vegetables, braised red cabbage and house gravy. If Mum’s still craving more, we’d recommend the vanilla and chocolate bread pudding.
Where: The Basement, 43 Corn Street, BS1 1HT
Book now: The Ox
The Quay Street Diner
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Why: Bristol may not be known for its perfect weather, but Quay St Diner brings a touch of sunshine to the city with its menu of Californian-inspired fare. If your Mum fancies herself as a surfer chick, she can dive in to dishes such as sriracha honey-glazed chicken wings or an all-American double cheeseburger. Fancy brunch instead? Come here from 9am to enjoy the likes of smoked salmon served with eggs, or a stack of pancakes topped with fruit. There are boozy brunch drinks too, including Bloody Marys and Mimosas.
Where: 2 Quay Street, BS1 2JL
Book now: The Quay Street Diner
Racks Bar & Kitchen
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Why: This popular bar and restaurant is a lively spot to bring Mum and the rest of the family to. Its Sunday roast offering is one of the most popular in town, and it’s easy to see why when the menu offers up the likes of organic beef with a mustard and horseradish crust, or roast leg of Claverham lamb infused with garlic, rosemary and mint. All roasts are served with seasonal vegetables, garlic and rosemary roast potatoes and a super-sized Yorkshire pudding, while vegetarians aren’t forgotten about either – they can try the roast butternut squash.
Where: St Paul’s Road, Clifton, BS8 1LX
Book now: Racks Bar & Kitchen
The River Grille
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Why: On the edge of the harbour side, River Grille features modern British cuisine and a sophisticated lounge bar, making it perfect for a special occasion like Mothering Sunday. From the considered menu, you can dine on the likes of a wild mushroom and thyme tart with rocket and truffle oil, or perhaps a classic dish of fish & chips with mushy peas and tartare sauce. Tempting sweet treats to finish on include an Oreo cheesecake and a lemon meringue pie, both of which can be paired with one of The River Grille’s dessert wines.
Where: Narrow Quay, BS1 4QF
Book now: The River Grille
Riverstation
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Why: Another riverside haunt, Riverstation is set in a converted dockside police station which boasts views across the harbour. The ingredient-led menu kicks off with small plates such as soup with house-made bread, and purple sprouting broccoli with romesco and crispy shallots. Mains include fillet of trout with rainbow chard and confit celeriac, and a red beetroot wellington with basil pesto, salad and squash purée. There are brunch and kids menus too, while the list of fun cocktails is sure to keep Mum happy.
Where: 1 The Grove, BS1 4RB
Book now: Riverstation
Wilks
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Why: One for Mums who really know their stuff when it comes to restaurants, this Michelin-starred spot offers up a two or three-course set lunch menu on Sundays. Don’t expect an oversized roast here though, as Wilks is very much a fine-dining establishment. You can pick from the game-heavy selection, which might include dishes such as roasted partridge breast with savoy cabbage, salt-baked celeriac and chanterelles, or wild seabass fillet with sweet red peppers and organic tender stem broccoli.
Where: 1 Chandos Road, Redland, BS6 6PG
Book now: Wilks
Don’t need a reason to dine out in Bristol? Take a look at our pick of Bristol's best restaurants.