What's better than a hearty local boozer? One with a great story behind it, that's what. The Blaise Inn is a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded gastropub in the heart of Henbury, just outside of Bristol. It was opened in 2021 by Louise McCrimmon, who was previously executive chef of Harvey Nichols Bristol, with the help of husband, Ian, and their neighbours Nicola and Peter Gilbert.
The historic building itself is rather beautiful, boasting a stoney facade and plenty of original features. Inside, a stylish update sees a country-classic slate-blue bar, metro tiling and antique brass fittings, while the dining room is a rich, crimson hue, accentuated by oil paintings hung on the walls. The pub is just moments away from Blaise Castle, which is a popular tourist attraction in the area.
The main menu stretches across both the lunch and dinner sittings, offering nibbles like homemade bread and sea salt butter, next to polenta chips with tomato jam and Parmesan. To start, enjoy small plates like roast tomato soup with wild garlic oil and lemon yoghurt, alongside grilled south coast sardines, with homemade foccacia toast and crisp capers.
Large plates will satisfy all, with meat-based dishes like Creedy Carver duck with braised baby gem, peas and pancetta and new potatoes, and a classic seared onglet steak with fries. While aubergine with roast pepper and mozzarella 'schnitzel' makes for a great vegetable-led dish, and seared fillet of chalk stream trout with potato and beetroot and apple salad ticks the pescatarian box nicely.
For a sweet treat, tuck into soya and coconut milk rice pudding with roast pineapple for a tropical take on an English classic, or chocolate mousse with peanut butter cookies and toffee sauce for something unapologetically indulgent.