This train stops at Bristol – the next area in our monthly guide to the best of the UK’s independent hotspots. Home to three of our favourite florists and a smorgasbord of charming coffee shops and eateries, whether you’re a local or you’re looking for a weekend spent somewhere new Bristol is bustling with with things to do. Stay tuned each month as we cover the best of the Britain.
Belle de Jour, Clifton Downs
Named after the French name for the daylily, meaning ‘beauty of the day’, Bristol-based florist Belle de Jour is full to the brim of vibrant stems and striking plants. Its founder, Kika, is originally from France, where she spent many years honing her craft at the Toulouse flower market, now she crafts bouquets that capture the everyday beauty of Bristol and its surrounding countryside.
![Floom Belle De Jour 1](https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom_belle_de_jour_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=553f9e72ffb3617113f16de220e4290c 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom_belle_de_jour_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=806076f2d3b9546fdb89300a45174432 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom_belle_de_jour_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=79a91b30e0b244150c2f7c54b8d2b26e 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom_belle_de_jour_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=e01ad715a4858093c4939b8cd8494d81 400w)
![Floom Belle De Jour 2](https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom_belle_de_jour_2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=e852f94692bc249802fbb7469e725861 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom_belle_de_jour_2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=0112410178b72874af5c34f970cf196a 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom_belle_de_jour_2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=d2df38f4dccaefeb32e6bb343fb49fd9 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom_belle_de_jour_2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=d3df19949bdb3eab85545b8ee354d926 400w)
Primrose Cafe, Clifton
One of Bristol’s busiest and best-loved cafés located in a sun trap on Clifton Arcade, Primrose Café is your go-to for a morning coffee, a healthy weekday lunch, and Sunday brunch alike. For breakfast, we’d suggest the Huevos Rancheros or the Veggie Monty (for the halloumi and harissa tomatoes), but make sure you leave room for coffee and one of Primrose Café’s many delicious cakes.
![Ji 041016 Primrose Cafe 073](https://floom.imgix.net/general/JI_041016_PrimroseCafe_073.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=edae3dd497f93b3e8d7719d8e690ae80 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/JI_041016_PrimroseCafe_073.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=50ede0db5bcd5f59ad782f6e4acad01f 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/JI_041016_PrimroseCafe_073.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=247089951f47ceaacc2a764d8170822e 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/JI_041016_PrimroseCafe_073.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=c202247db43acd963bec32348165d750 400w)
![Ji 041016 Primrose Cafe 069 Square](https://floom.imgix.net/general/JI_041016_PrimroseCafe_069-square.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=522e948827da345d30facd1d29fd14dd 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/JI_041016_PrimroseCafe_069-square.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=024394e01df017ef2cdeda6d4bc92183 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/JI_041016_PrimroseCafe_069-square.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=4360307e93f3f5f6cd959c3e591b3d4c 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/JI_041016_PrimroseCafe_069-square.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=251e8efeb2791976408d080cc47709c4 400w)
![Ji 041016 Primrose Cafe 179](https://floom.imgix.net/general/JI_041016_PrimroseCafe_179.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=cd65655237c010503a1931bdb62e9d8b 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/JI_041016_PrimroseCafe_179.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=34ee1452c7b2b59964ebe38523b1a31c 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/JI_041016_PrimroseCafe_179.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=d795baf5c8528fcf5394db479b3882f3 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/JI_041016_PrimroseCafe_179.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=2ed7991027b9d1c92f865f991fb4a6a2 400w)
Lido, Clifton
When you’re tired of eating (for us, that’s never) head to the Lido in Clifton for an afternoon dip. An oasis well hidden within the Georgian streets of Clifton, this open air lido is open all year round providing a relaxing retreat (especially when we tell you that there are spa and massage facilities, too). And when you’ve well and truly overindulged, head to the Lido’s restaurant or poolside tapas bar for a well earned treat.
![Bristol Lido](https://floom.imgix.net/general/bristol-lido_180801_142114.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=0c63a9e47bb09d1044b4ff30c81b734d 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/bristol-lido_180801_142114.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=24cc3c1949ea6d13e225684a54b8f311 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/bristol-lido_180801_142114.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=7e7fc8c84fa2a4fdbcf8afb338807f08 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/bristol-lido_180801_142114.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=169e4cd8256dd40011c2985267f9bdc8 400w)
![Lido28 1 16 218](https://floom.imgix.net/general/lido28_1_16_218.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=4b75818ada55bcfc6a793678c71b892f 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/lido28_1_16_218.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=aabfa9a7f956cb4d632e64a35784b689 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/lido28_1_16_218.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=9279266b6381ed9a7d981333764d2bbe 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/lido28_1_16_218.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=f121b02daaee266142eea8bc3e849b77 400w)
Spicer & Cole, various locations
There are actually three Spicer & Cole cafés in Bristol: leafy Queen Square, picturesque Clifton Village and the ever-vibrant Gloucester Road. Based on the ethos that great coffee should be served in great settings, each café is located in a bright and airy, light-filled space. Expect a menu of super-fresh seasonal dishes created from locally sourced fruit, veg and organic meat and dairy, along with a counter piled high with tarts, frittatas, salads and of course, cakes and pasteries.
![Spicer Cole256](https://floom.imgix.net/general/SpicerCole256.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=bece191b636fd9eb7dd0f723dd733ede 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/SpicerCole256.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=ddcc2ef77c4d20d6d7375a7051816a9e 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/SpicerCole256.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=6600fdc622b025d4883563befb0283e5 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/SpicerCole256.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=2605413bb9ad8e94b0c2458ff38b92ea 400w)
![Spicercole Vintage Lights 2](https://floom.imgix.net/general/spicercole-vintage-lights-2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=d038ec4f7565d9215e1c0f61961d9936 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/spicercole-vintage-lights-2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=b53e09553646a6defb41a76bec399238 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/spicercole-vintage-lights-2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=39695d314978a8aa7b5478da1be96b21 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/spicercole-vintage-lights-2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=290caa5ff2941dd8b461969551733965 400w)
Megan Lily
Florist Megan Lily is all about bringing “wilderness and beauty” to your homes - which she does, quite amazingly, from the self-proclaimed ‘shed' at the bottom of her garden (it's fair to say that the shed is a bit more organised than your standard garden shed!). “I used to stare wistfully through the door of my local florist on my walk home from school as a young girl,” Meg says, “and now I am so proud to be a small business owner able to bring a piece of nature into the heart of the city!”
![Floom Megan Lily Studio 1](https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom_megan_lily_studio_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=0672a4de5923a99f6d3acaa6843d6e70 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom_megan_lily_studio_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=498de64f6e385225209bf9bf878bdbdc 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom_megan_lily_studio_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=57d11248e65a6588da255cd869de9d53 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom_megan_lily_studio_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=2b06e3b19bcc004e19e7605aea786b51 400w)