Much of Bristol's best food and drink revolves around the River Avon, and associated canals, wharfs and docks that wind their way through the city. Some take it even further by sitting, quite literally on the water. Enter Grain Barge, a relaxed bar and restaurant housed in, you guessed it, an old grain barge on the Avon, just off Hotwell Road near the SS Great Britain.
Grain Barge makes a fabulous place to sit with a drink and watch the world go by, and naturally is boasts some lovely views of Bristol especially on a sunny day. If the weather isn't quite what you'd hoped (not a rare occurance in Bristol), you can nab a table below deck instead and enjoy a menu of classic British fare, alongside a wide range of local beers, ciders, wines and coffee.
The menu at Grain Barge celebrated the best of local, seasonal produce and Grain Barge's founders are overtly keen to support local farms and suppliers, such as Bruton Dairy in the Cotswolds and Haresfield Farm in Wiltshire. As a result the menu is centred around vegetables and seafood, and everything is cooked on-board. Much of the produce comes from Grain Barge's own farm in nearby Backwell, and all fish and seafood is MSC certified and organic.
Kick things off with small plates - whitebait, house focaccia with vegan aioli and roast cauliflower with romesco sauce - before tucking into a main of trout with asparagus puree, or classic moules frites with local cider. Grain Barge offers tacos and pies as well, and the fun doesn't stop there - try the sticky milk stout pudding, or peach cheesecake with white chocolate crumb for pudding.