Going Grande At Klosterhaus - Bristol's Newest German Restaurant

We have just resurfaced from our second lockdown, and we are hoping that the worst is behind us!

Things are definitely looking up now that Bristol's newest German restaurant has opened.

Klosterhaus, is an all-day dining restaurant, bar, and events space set within the landmark 18th-century grade 1 listed Quakers Friars building, a short walk from Cabot Circus.

The multifaceted space transitions throughout the day: from morning coffee to lunches be it business or pleasure, a post-shopping light bite to weekend brunches, sophisticated dinners alongside an extensive bar offering of creative cocktails, local and German beers.

Diners will experience a glamourous restaurant spread over two floors connected by a central staircase and an island bar which is the centrepiece of the ground floor. It’s interior, designed by award-winning designers DesigmLSM will echo the Bristol-Hannover connection and feature a collection of art work reflective of early industrial imagery and rich colours of Renaissance and Old Masters Portraits.

The menu, developed by Executive Head Chef, Bjoern Wassmuth (from D&D London’s German Gymnasium) and Head Chef, Rhys Grayson is broad-ranging featuring Mittel-European classics and German favourites inspired by Chef Bjoern’s German heritage.

You can expect a range of dishes like the German and veal schnitzel to sharing dishes such as the Slow Roasted Creedy Carver Free Range Duck, potato dumpling, and braised red cabbage. Brunch and dessert menus will offer something for everyone from the KH Breakfast of two eggs, Nürnberger sausage, cured crispy bacon, tomato, and potato Rösti to traditional sweet treats Warm Apple Strudel, vanilla sauce, and Milk Chocolate Gianduja Mousse, passion jam, coffee crumble and burnt milk ice cream.

To complement, is a curated wine list featuring European wines from both familiar & lesser-known producers, including a vast selection of vegan and organic names. The bar will serve a list of classics and creative cocktails alongside a varied selection of German and local premium craft beers from Bristol Beer Factory.

From beginning to end, you can expect spectacular service, and the food was superb. So much so, that it is one of our most revisited restaurants in Bristol thus far.

Thank you so much for inviting us in Bristol Bloggers & Klosterhaus… We can’t wait until our next visit.

If you would like to see more of what we got up to, and more importantly what we ate. Head to the YouTube video to get a closer look.

Celebrating Our First Wedding Anniversary At The Ivy Clifton Brasserie

Time flies when you are stuck in your house for the majority of your first year of marriage… or does it fly?

I would be lying if I said that I thought my first year of marriage would look the way that it did. But we feel so lucky and thankful to have gotten married when we did. Who knows when we would have been able to do so otherwise?

This first anniversary, believe it or not, Paul is working, but we have nipped away to The Ivy Clifton Brasserie for our anniversary breakfast.

Overlooking The Mall Gardens, The Ivy Clifton Brasserie Restaurant brings relaxed, sophisticated all-day dining to the heart of Bristol’s ceaselessly chic Clifton Village. From modern British cuisine to café-style classics and fantastic vegan and vegetarian dishes, you’ll find something for everyone to love.

As well as the main restaurant, they have a bar, an orangery, and two private dining rooms for those special celebrations. In the main room, the high ceilings and huge windows give a wonderful feeling of space, while the impressive brass chandeliers, Art-Deco detail, and burnt orange banquettes bring a sense of informal luxury.

It’s the ideal spot for tourists, shoppers, and locals alike to enjoy breakfast, brunch, dinner, and lunch, or sample our range of bespoke cocktails – from the classic to the contemporary.

On top of the lovely service, and delicious food… we were sent over the loveliest anniversary surprise. You see, as we visit The Ivy quite frequently, management has come to know who we are.

And upon arrival, the lovely manager Mimmo recalled that it must be our first wedding anniversary. We were so shocked that he had even remembered, and to our further surprise when the anniversary pudding was sent over, we had the loveliest treat.

Have you ever been to The Ivy for breakfast?

Eat Out To Help Out: The Ivy Clifton Brasserie

On a global whole, I am not too sure if any of us thought that the last few months would look like this. To be honest with you, when we first started getting word that we wouldn’t be able to leave our homes other than ‘essential’ shopping, I thought okay… maybe for a few weeks, but certainly the world will not come to a standstill.

How I was wrong.

Every industry seems to have had a ‘hard’ hit during these unprecedented times… however the hospitality industry seems to have had it hit more than others.

When The Ivy Clifton Brasserie got in touch for us to come in, enjoy a meal out, and help them promote the government’s ‘Eat Out To Help Out’ scheme… we obviously said ‘yes’.

With that being said, we headed into The Ivy Clifton Brasserie and had another delicious meal. If you have been following this blog for any length of time, you know my first experience at The Ivy was during Bristol Balloon Fiesta, and I have returned many times since.

The Ivy is one of those places where if you are looking to dine and have a more levelled up experience, without it costing much more than other restaurants… It definitely will be on the roaster for you to choose for your next night out.

I often will head into The Ivy for a morning coffee if I am up in Clifton Village, and perhaps I will get some of their toast and preserves to go along with it.

As mentioned, the cost of this is similar, if not the same to go to a Costa but you are in a much more luxurious setting.

If you are not local to Bristol, most cities in the UK have an Ivy location. So you can always check to see where is your local. However, if you are looking to join us at The Ivy, you can find it

Overlooking The Mall Gardens, The Ivy Clifton Brasserie Restaurant brings relaxed, sophisticated all-day dining to the heart of Bristol’s ceaselessly chic Clifton Village. From modern British cuisine to café-style classics and fantastic vegan and vegetarian dishes, you’ll find something for everyone to love.

As well as the main restaurant, they have a bar, an orangery, and two private dining rooms for those special celebrations. In the main room, the high ceilings and huge windows give a wonderful feeling of space, while the impressive brass chandeliers, Art-Deco detail and burnt orange banquettes bring a sense of informal luxury.

It’s the ideal spot for tourists, shoppers, and locals alike to enjoy breakfast, brunch, dinner, and lunch, or sample our range of bespoke cocktails – from the classic to the contemporary.

Head into The Ivy to ‘Eat Out To Help Out’, and let’s help the hospitality industry get back on its feet.

Afternoon Tea With Twinings At Bailbrook House In Bath

The world is starting to look pretty uncertain, but one thing I know for sure is… I will always have time for tea.

Some of my favourite Bristol & Bath-based ladies and I were so kindly invited into Bailbrook House & Hotel to experience an Afternoon Tea with Twinings. Yes, the Twinings.

… Somebody, pinch me!

Once a private residence in the early 1790s, Bailbrook House Hotel is one of only two Grade II listed country home hotels Bath has within its borders today

This luxury Bath hotel was completed in the early 19th century. Over the years, Bailbrook House has been home to people from all walks of life and housed all kinds of initiatives, from knitting schools to Post Office training colleges. In 2013, the original mansion house was fully restored and refurbished by Hand Picked Hotels.

This wasn’t your average Afternoon Tea, but rather, we got to learn exactly how one should have pour their tea. And just how to have your tea in the most authentic way.

Furthermore, we got to learn about the history of tea, which was completely fascinating!

Twinings are pioneers of the tea trade; their history in providing exceptional tea makes them the number one choice for Out of Home Tea.

With a 300-year history of blending and innovating, Twinings are continually growing the tea market in order to encourage new users to try their teas, and as a result, have seen a large number of consumers trade up from traditional tea to premium blends and infusions.

Twinings are also marker leaders in Specialty Tea, Green Tea, and Infusions*, so make an excellent choice for any establishment looking to serve such products.

This was exactly what the doctor ordered, and I had the loveliest afternoon.
Thank you so much to Handpicked Hotels & Twinings for a lovely afternoon out.

Champagne Afternoon Tea & Spa Treatments At Bristol Harbour Hotel

Who wouldn’t love a visit to the spa and an afternoon tea for their birthday? I wouldn’t mind obviously! Without realizing it, it tends to be a small tradition for me to do some sort of afternoon tea on my birthday.

The world is starting to look like it’s going a bit mad. And I am just hoping and praying that what I am watching on the news isn’t headed our way.

But nonetheless, my friend Lea accompanied me to Bristol Harbour Hotel via SpaSeekers so we could enjoy a little pampering.

SpaSeekers is the UK's longest-standing spa booking agency, yet their aim after almost 30 years remains the same: Finding you the perfect spa experience using our specialist knowledge and award-winning customer service.

With new spas joining weekly, you will never be short of inspiration on which package to choose, or which spa will best suit a loved one as a pampering gift. The best news is that you will benefit from SpaSeekers friendly personal advice and free booking service. You can be confident that they will always find you great spa packages at the best prices with their easy booking process. They are forever developing their website to make your experience as stress-free, user-friendly, and helpful as possible.

You’re in safe hands at Bristol’s luxury HarSPA, located deep underground in the former bank vaults, where you can lock your worries away and find a wealth of relaxation and balance.

Let the serene waters of the pools create a little piece of inner peace in the inner city before you make a break for the relaxation room where you can cleanse your soul with a steam and find the perfect combination of treatments.

The expert therapists will transport you to a land of bliss. Choose from their menu of luxurious treatments from TEMPLESPA and HarSPA. Combining luscious botanicals and high-tech ingredients, these are designed to pamper, detoxify and revitalise the body or optimise recovery after a long workout.

Bristol’s best-kept secret can be found underground, in the subterranean HarSPA. A little bit of inner peace in the inner city. Choose from an extensive list of uplifting treatments and soak up the atmosphere while the world above races by. This is some serious off-grid pampering time and you’ll be forgiven for keeping your new relaxing hideaway your own little secret.

Leanne and I both opted for massages to take us away from the stresses of what 2020 is bringing us. Here is to it getting a bit better.

AD- This experience was complimentary via SpaSeekers. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Elegant Afternoon Tea At The Gainsborough Hotel & Spa In Bath UK

It’s my second festive season in England, and even though there is now snow… Christmas markets & Festive Afternoon Tea make up for it.

If you are local to Bristol or Bath, you most likely will be stopping off at The Bath Christmas Markets, so why not make a whole day out of it, and stop into The Gainsborough Hotel & Spa for festive Afternoon tea?

From the stunning, but elegant decor, you will feel absolutely regal when dining at The Gainsborough.

The Canvas Room offers the perfect place to unwind in style and enjoy a sumptuous home-made festive afternoon tea of Christmas-inspired finger sandwiches, fruit and plain scones with clotted cream, seasonal preserves, and a selection of delicious cakes and pastries.

If you are unfamiliar with The Gainsborough, here is a little bit of back story… From its legendary beginnings around a thermal spring with waters that healed a swineherd prince to a magnificent Georgian playground that catered to both aristocracy and commoners alike, Bath has endured for over 2,000 years as a leisure and wellness destination.

The city and its stories reveal an intriguing insight into Bath and its many historical influences. Discover a city shaped over centuries by warrior-kings and merchant corporations, reimagined by the vision of unconventional gamesters and eccentric architects; all of which culminated in its global recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.

Originally built in the 1800s, The Gainsborough Bath Spa occupies two Grade II Listed buildings with distinguished Georgian and Victorian façades in the heart of the World Heritage Site. Named after the artist, Sir Thomas Gainsborough, the luxury hotel is centred around Spa Village Bath and, uniquely in the UK, has the exclusive privilege of having access to the natural thermal, mineral-rich waters.

The Gainsborough Bath Spa is YTL's first Hotel in the United Kingdom. Paying homage to its colourful history, the hotel is designed by New York based Champalimaud Design to be welcoming, elegant, vibrant and social - a modern interpretation of a classic design which will provide a meaningful and enduring contribution to the life of the city.

If you want to see a closer look at what our experience for Christmas Afternoon Tea was like at The Gainsborough, head to the YouTube video below and check out all that we had to order.

AD - This experience was complimentary, however all opinions expressed are my own.

A Staycation In Bath At The MGallery Francis Hotel

Ever since moving to the UK, I love a little staycation. And although I only live under 30 minutes away from Bath… I always take up every opportunity to return.

This past weekend, I had a lovely stay at The MGallery’s Francis Hotel in Bath, and I had to come here and share it with you.

A dramatic destination that is quintessentially English, Francis Hotel Bath is a magnificent example of Georgian architecture in a timeless city. Bath itself is a World Heritage Site and home to a myriad of nostalgic attractions around every corner, from the Roman Baths and the Royal Crescent to the Jane Austen Centre.

The Francis Hotel Bath occupies a coveted position on Queen Square. On arrival, you will be met by Regency opulence, modern amenities, a friendly team, and impeccably designed areas for drinking and dining. Stop for a drink in their bar and lounge or enjoy food at Cote!

Whatever your reason for stepping through the doors, they look forward to welcoming you.

restaurant was to ensure the guests fall in love with the Middle East and its bold flavours and generous hospitality. Their dream is still to make Lebanese food as popular as Italian food because they strongly believe the food of the Middle East is the best in the world, and that is what they serve in Comptoir Libanais every day to their guests.

We have been to Comptoir Libanais many times before, and I am certain it is not the last time that we will visit.

On our way back to the hotel, we could not help but notice the various plaques that are on the wall throughout the building. They give glimpses into the past and tell stories of who lived there… This brings me to my next question.

Did you know that Francis Hotel Bath was first used as a series of townhouses and, thanks to local builder Solomon Francis, in 1858, 10 Queen Square became a boarding house. After expanding throughout the houses numbered 6-12, Solomon Francis’ widow, Emily, reopened the space, an initial incarnation of what you see today. In 1884, the Francis Private Hotel was born.

In 1942, during World War II, part of the property’s original frontage was destroyed by a 500kg bomb in the Bath Blitz. Despite the devastation, Francis Hotel Bath rose from the ashes and was restored to its former 18th century glory.

It was John Wood the Elder, creator of Bath’s many prestigious buildings, who designed Francis Hotel’s now Grade I listed building between 1728 to 1735. Wood had a passion for classical architecture, as showcased by the seamlessly interconnected townhouses that make up the Francis Hotel today.

In 2012, the Francis Hotel Bath enjoyed an extensive restoration that transformed the building into a unique Regency-inspired townhouse hotel, combining 21st century elegance with all the splendour of its historic past.

During your stay, you can expect exceptional hospitality at the Francis Hotel, where you will be looked after by their dedicated team.

The team is dedicated to providing excellent customer service, allowing guests to enjoy a welcoming and relaxed stay where they can relive our history and create memorable moments of their very own.

On the second day of my stay - Paul was not with me, So I met up with my friend Meg, and we attended some press events with Visit Bath. First up we headed over to The Botanist for some lunch.

A place where antiquities and trinkets hang from the walls, and resident botanists craft unusual concoctions. Some arrive for the live music, some for the conversation; but at The Botanist, all can enjoy a wondrous occasion.

Explore a secret garden of food and drink, where the Botanists have foraged high and low to bring you a host of exceptional food and drink delights... sublime social times are guaranteed!

From there we headed over to Milsom street, did a little spot of shopping at DuoBoots, and then headed to get some ice-cream from SWOON Gelato.

Every life is made a little better by gelato, and bringing people together over gelato is what SWOON does: the very best in artisan gelato, made with love and laughter to lift your spirits.

Before I knew it, the weekend was over, and it was time to pack up and head back. toBristol. If you want to see more of what we got up too, make sure to watch the YouTube video listed to the left of you.

You will be booking your trip to Bath in no time once you watch it.

AD - This experience was complimentary, however all opinions expressed are my own.

Experience Welsh Wine & Spend A Weekend At Llanerch Vineyard & Hotel

It’s been almost two years that I have been living in the UK, and although Wales is a mere hour away… I’ve yet to explore much of it.

This weekend, we have kindly been invited in to Llanerch Vinyeard & Hote, and best part is… They are a dog-friendly establishment. So the dogs get to come with us too!

Llanerch is Wales’ only vineyard hotel, nestled in the quiet Welsh countryside yet only 20 minutes from Cardiff city centre. Surrounded by woodland and vines, the unique hotel boasts an award-winning restaurant, wine tasting and vineyard tours

With a mix of rooms for every occasion, Llanerch Vineyard Hotel is perfect for couples, groups of friends, business travelers, and even those visiting with dogs.

Boasting spectacular views over the Welsh countryside, Llanerch’s luxurious and spacious Superior Countryside Rooms are located in our new hotel building.

Each has been designed to provide the ultimate comfort and relaxation. Those located on the lower floor have their own outdoor terrace, and those on the upper floor enjoy a Juliet balcony.

Llanerch’s beautiful vineyard is the oldest in Wales and produces the grapes for their award-winning Cariad wines. You can experience the vineyard and their wines for yourself with their popular vineyard tour and wine tasting or buy a bottle from the hotel reception.

We went on a vineyard tour, which you will be able to see in our YouTube video, along with the rest of our stay.

On the tour, you can find out about Llanerch grapes’ journey from the vine to the bottle, and sample a selection of their Cariad wine.

The tour is informal, informative, and entertaining, their vineyard tours & tastings are led by experts who have a compelling passion for wine.

You’ll learn about Llanerch’s role in the production of Cariad wine: how they look after their grapes, how they’re made into wine, and how the local environment influences the taste that is unique to Cariad.

They offer a few different options. You can join a group tour, or you can book a private tour tailored to you if you are a group of up to 20 people.

Now let’s dive deep into the dining experience at Llanerch — Chef Andy and his team of 18 chefs design and produce every dish we serve, from cakes at afternoon tea, to our lunch and dinner menus and wedding breakfasts.

Hampshire-born Andy's passion for cooking took him to Worcestershire and the Lake District before he and his family settled in South Wales.

Since becoming Head Chef at Llanerch, he has earned an enviable reputation for his exceptional cooking and his commitment to using the very best seasonal and sustainable produce, usually from the local area.

Llanerch’s award-winning restaurant offers the very best seasonal dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Awarded 2 Rosettes by the AA for Culinary Excellence, our restaurant offers lunch, dinner, Sunday roasts and afternoon teas overlooking our beautiful vineyard.

Their dishes are inspired by ingredients from the fields and waters near Llanerch. Daily deliveries from their trusted suppliers mean that each evening’s menu is based on the best of the best: the most succulent steak, the freshest fish, and the most vibrant fruit and vegetables.

They know their wine, too. So if you’d like helping in matching dishes with their carefully selected wines, including our own Cariad range, just ask.

All in all, we had a lovely stay. The food was gorgeous and so were the views… Best yet, it was so nice to have our pampered pooches to come along with us too.

If you are in the Bristol area, and are looking for a quick weekend get-away we highly recommend Llanerch. If you are from further afield, we still recommend!

AD - This experience was complimentary, however opinions expressed are our own.

Birthday Celebrations At The Pump Room & The Roman Bath's

Tell me you are a lover of Afternoon Tea, without telling me you’re a lover of Afternoon Tea. I’ll go first.

For years now, even when I wasn’t living in England… Unintentionally, I often end up going for Afternoon Tea on my birthday. And now that I live in England, it seems like the tradition is continuing itself, albeit in places a bit grandeur than when this tradition began.

Paul & I were kindly invited into the Pump Room in Bath, as well as The Roman Baths. When I first came over to England last year, Paul & I went through The Roman Baths, but there is so much to see, so much to learn, and so much to take in… A second trip was warmly welcomed.

Once the site of one of the great religious spas of the ancient world; the people of Roman Britain came to the site to worship the goddess Sulis Minerva and bathe in the waters of the natural thermal springs, which still flow with hot water today. 

Today visitors can explore the Roman Baths complex, walk on the original Roman pavements and see the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva. The museum collection, located next to the bathing complex, includes a gilt bronze head of the Goddess Sulis Minerva, and other Roman artefacts.

The Roman baths—designed for public bathing—were used until the end of Roman rule in Britain in the 5th Century AD. According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, the original Roman baths were in ruins a century later. The area around the natural springs was redeveloped several times during the Early and Late Middle Ages.

Aquae Sulis (that’s Bath to you) has three hot springs. The spring that has the most water coming out from it is special to the goddess Sulis Minerva. She was worshipped here even before us Romans arrived! People travel far to visit the spring, pray to her and ask for her help.

The Spring is in the middle of the site you can visit. It’s here that water gushes up from the ground as a natural hot spring. It’s 46° C so it’s hotter than the water in your bath! The water is full of different minerals, even more than the bottled spring water you can buy in supermarkets. The orange colour around the Spring comes from the iron dissolved in the water. In Medieval times the Spring was given the name 'King’s Spring' after King Henry I and the name stuck.

If you want to see a closer look of our time at The Roman Baths, head to the YouTube video linked below. And let us know if you have been there in the comments.

The Roman baths—designed for public bathing—were used until the end of Roman rule in Britain in the 5th Century AD. According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, the original Roman baths were in ruins a century later. The area around the natural springs was redeveloped several times during the Early and Late Middle Ages.

Aquae Sulis (that’s Bath to you) has three hot springs. The spring that has the most water coming out from it is special to the goddess Sulis Minerva. She was worshipped here even before us Romans arrived! People travel far to visit the spring, pray to her and ask for her help.

The Spring is in the middle of the site you can visit. It’s here that water gushes up from the ground as a natural hot spring. It’s 46° C so it’s hotter than the water in your bath! The water is full of different minerals, even more than the bottled spring water you can buy in supermarkets. The orange colour around the Spring comes from the iron dissolved in the water. In Medieval times the Spring was given the name 'King’s Spring' after King Henry I and the name stuck.

If you want to see a closer look of our time at The Roman Baths, head to the YouTube video linked below. And let us know if you have been there in the comments.

A Fine Dining Experience At The Royal Crescent Hotel In Bath

If you ever want to feel like you are experiencing a modern-day secret garden, then you have to head to The Royal Crescent Hotel, and head out to their garden and restaurant.

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, is a five-star haven of elegance and tranquillity in the historic centre of Bath.

Step inside and discover a multi-talented hotel that offers so much more than just a place to stay.

An iconic sanctuary in the city is set in an acre of glorious gardens. A sensational spa for a blissful escape and beautiful bedrooms, each one uniquely designed with spectacular views.

Every inch of the hotel is underpinned by impeccable service, delivered by staff dedicated to making your stay unforgettable.

On your way out to the restaurant, you will need to pass through the gardens. Discover the healing power of nature and stay awhile in the tranquil haven of the beautiful gardens. There’s one acre of glorious green to explore, complete with an abundance of wildlife including hedgehogs and squirrels!

Pull up a chair, close your eyes and feel the sun’s warm rays on your face. Kick off your shoes and feel the cool green grass tickle the soles of your feet.

Still the mind and soul and then nourish the body with some delicious award-winning food.

At The Royal Crescent Hotel, you will experience delicious, locally-sourced food and a divine setting – that comes as standard.

Then there’s the service – personal and professional, their aim is to provide you with a first class experience – from the second you step into their 3AA Rosette restaurant to the moment they bid you ‘goodnight.’

… And that is exactly the experience we had. Our sommelier was so knowledgeable, and our server was there for our every want.

Thank you for a very special night out, indeed.

AD- This meal was complimentary, however all opinions expressed are my own.

Celebrating The Bristol Balloon Fiesta With The Ivy Clifton Brasserie

It’s my first summer in Bristol, which also means it’s my first time experiencing the Bristol Balloon fiesta. Truth be told, we have headed down to the grounds, and believe it or not, I have yet to see any balloons. Here is hoping that I will be able to see the festival next year.

None the less, The Ivy Clifton Brasserie has invited us in to experience some of their cocktails celebrating the fiesta.

Overlooking The Mall Gardens, The Ivy Clifton Brasserie Restaurant brings relaxed, sophisticated all-day dining to the heart of Bristol’s ceaselessly chic Clifton Village. From modern British cuisine to café-style classics and fantastic vegan and vegetarian dishes, you’ll find something for everyone to love.

As well as the main restaurant, they have a bar, an orangery, and two private dining rooms for those special celebrations. In the main room, the high ceilings and huge windows give a wonderful feeling of space, while the impressive brass chandeliers, Art-Deco detail, and burnt orange banquettes bring a sense of informal luxury.

It’s the ideal spot for tourists, shoppers, and locals alike to enjoy breakfast, brunch, dinner, and lunch, or sample our range of bespoke cocktails – from the classic to the contemporary.

If you were to take a look behind Paul, you will see a ballon at the bar of The Ivy. And at 6PM every evening, they launch this mini balloon up into the restaurant.

If you want to see more of what the experience was like head to our YouTube video linked below, and you can see what we had.

AD - This experience was complimentary, however all opinions expressed are our own.

The Best Afternoon Tea In Bristol - Ashwell & Co (Formerly Heartfelt Vintage)

It’s my first summer in Bristol, and I am still finding my bearings and learning so much about the new place that I call home.

I have kindly been invited to Ashwell & Co ( formerly Heartfelt Vintage ) for an afternoon tea. And I thought it would be so lovely to bring my partner’s mother & aunt along with me.

Often described as one of the quirkiest places you can have afternoon tea in Bristol, at Ashwell & Co they pride themselves not only on their unique setting within a vintage boutique, but they also rate as one of the best afternoon teas in Bristol. There’s definitely no style over substance here!

Everything is handmade or locally made with love to create a proper, traditional afternoon tea experience. From the bread to the cakes, the scones, and even our signature homemade clotted cream, everything is made with care and attention to give their lovely customers an experience to remember.

After devouring our delicious afternoon tea, filled with all the finger sandwiches, scones & Victoria sponges one could hope for… We then headed into to shop to explore the boutique.

It was such a fun experience to watch the ladies pick and spot items and brands they remembered from their youth.

Ashwell & Co. has such a unique concept, you can visit them for an afternoon tea, vintage shopping, you can book them to cater your events, you can also go wedding dress shopping there… you can host your Hen do there.

… I honestly feel like I could go on and on!

After being unable to find what she was looking for when planning her own wedding, Kate realised she couldn’t be the only one, and the gears started turning…

Kate and Will founded Ashwell & Co in July 2014. After years of working in festival production, drama, education and the arts, they felt that their family of three would benefit from a change of pace, so started hunting for a career that continued their love of creativity and working with people.

Kate has had a keen interest in the alternative and fashion since she was a teenager but her true love of vintage was born when she moved to Camden as a student. She really valued the ability of vintage to allow her to have something that no one else did.

Having grown up in a hotel it was perhaps inevitable that Will would find his calling in hospitality. He has discovered a flair for baking, taking on all aspects of the Ashwell & Co afternoon tea offering. Every component that can be is handmade on site by his own hands, including the bread and clotted cream.

When it comes to wedding gowns and clothing, Kate thinks back to her own experience and wishes somewhere like Ashwell & Co had existed when she was looking for her own wedding dress.

With one of the largest collections of vintage wedding dresses in the South West, an on-site seamstress and passion for creating a relaxed atmosphere for anyone dress shopping, Ashwell & Co refuses to add to the stress of planning a wedding.

Kate is an expert on shapes, styles and the history of each dress that comes to her, ensuring you go away with a dress you love and a little piece of history too. 

Kate and Will believe that it’s a fundamental part of life for people to come together and share food, and so have created an open, comfortable space for people to do just that.

Whether you are popping in with friends, have rented the tearoom for a party, or are browsing their collection of vintage clothes and accessories, they want everyone to enjoy the ritual of sharing experiences with other people.

If you find yourself in the Bristol or Newport area, you will definitely have to pop into Ashwell & Co, especially if you want to have the best afternoon tea, ever!