The Clifton is exactly the kind of unassumingly cool pub you'd expect to find in Bristol. Stylish but not contrived, this Clifton Village-based watering hole boasts a large, airy dining room which benefits from the facade's huge windows, filling the place with light. Walls are toned a rich teal on the lower half and seating is a characterful mix of vintage pieces, complimented by the simple, industrial lighting dangling overhead.
The Clifton's concept is all about creating the best dishes, from scratch, using ever-changing seasonal produce but in a relaxed way. The team have sought out relationships with artisan suppliers in the locality and use as much as they can from their own smallholding. With a nose-to-tail ethos, they've also recently enjoyed the arrival of a custom-built Parrilla Grill so that Head Chef Cory can experient with cooking over fire and explore a larger range of feasting dishes, with efforts that have resulted in a Bib Gourmand.
While the menu changes twice daily, there is a sample online to get a feel for the food. The team advise ordering how you like to eat; whether that be smaller plates to pick out, a large dish for sharing or good ol' fashioned starter, main and dessert. On the current menu you'll find the likes of creamed chicken livers and spinach on toast alongside turnip cake, braised kale and parsley emulsion for something a bit smaller.
Or, dig into braised Torgelly Farm lamb with onions, turnips and mint sauce with sides like grilled hispi, aioli and crispy shallots and buttered new potatoes, for a 'proper' dinner. Puddings sound deliciously soul-warming, with buttermilk pudding coming with hazelnut and pear, and apple crumble soufflé topped with salted caramel ice cream.
The team are also proud of their drinks offering and promise a great selection of ales as well as interesting wines. If you're local, watch out for the events calendar where the team host nights for seasonal celebrations like St Davids Day and Valentines, as well as a weekly pub quiz.