Podcast episodes — Bristol

Browse the latest episodes from Spotlight on Bristol.

Showing 12 of 33

Bristol’s Historic Pubs & Legendary Watering Holes

Join your host, Terence Williams, for a six‑stop tour of Bristol’s most storied pubs — places with centuries of history, fascinating local lore, and plenty of character. From cider houses older than the Clifton Suspension Bridge to harbour‑side inns with maritime roots, this episode explores pubs that are destinations in their own right. Each location below is active and confirmed with a real address and (where available) working website so you can plan your own visit. 🍺 Places featured: Seven Stars Website: http://www.7stars.co.uk/ Address: 1 Thomas Lane, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6JG, United Kingdom Highlights: One of Bristol’s oldest pubs, tucked down a cobbled lane in Redcliffe. Known for its extensive real‑ale selection, traditional atmosphere, and deep historical links — including hosting abolitionist Thomas Clarkson in the 18th century. The Coronation Tap Website: https://www.thecoronationtap.com/ Address: 8 Sion Place, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4AX, United Kingdom Highlights: Known locally as “The Cori,” this iconic cider house has been pouring strong Exhibition Cider and classic drinks for over 200 years. Its historic vibe and Clifton setting make it a must‑visit for cider lovers and history fans alike. The Hatchet Inn - JW Bassett Pub Website: https://www.jwbpubs.com/pubs/the-hatchet-inn/ Address: 27 Frogmore Street, Bristol BS1 5NA, United Kingdom Highlights: Often cited as Bristol’s oldest operating pub (dating back to 1606), this Grade II‑listed timber‑framed gem brims with character, a great beer garden, and a lively crowd. Wikipedia The Stag & Hounds Website: https://www.thestagandhounds.co.uk/ Address: 74 Old Market Street, Bristol BS2 0EJ, United Kingdom Highlights: A historic Old Market favourite with a warm, friendly atmosphere and a solid roster of craft beers and pub dishes — a strong example of Bristol’s hearty, character‑rich pub culture. Grain Barge Website: https://www.grainbarge.com/ Address: Hotwell Rd, Mardyke Wharf, Hotwells, Bristol BS8 4RU, United Kingdom Highlights: A truly unique harbour‑side pub and bar/restaurant aboard a converted barge. With panoramic water views, seasonal menus, craft drinks and lively live music, it’s a historic setting with modern appeal. The Ostrich Website: https://butcombe.com/the-ostrich-pub-bristol/ Address: Lower Guinea Street, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6TJ, United Kingdom Highlights: Built in the 18th century and long part of Bristol’s dockside pub scene, The Ostrich combines old‑world harbour charm with a large beer garden, hearty pub food, and a laid‑back social vibe perfect for a long afternoon drink.

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Spotlight on Bristol

Museums, Galleries & Hidden Culture of Bristol

Join your host, Terence Williams, as he guides you through six of Bristol’s most compelling cultural venues — from world‑class museums to contemporary art centres and immersive science hubs. Whether you’re local or visiting, this episode is your passport to discovering Bristol’s rich history, creativity, and hidden cultural treasures. 🏛️ Places featured: Bristol Museum & Art Gallery Website: bristolmuseums.org.uk Address: Queens Road, Bristol BS8 1RL Highlights: A grand, multi‑floor museum spanning natural history, art, archaeology, and world cultures — home to dinosaur skeletons, ancient artefacts, fine art, and rotating exhibitions. Entry is free and the museum offers a deep dive into both global heritage and local history. M Shed Website: bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed Address: Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol BS1 4RN Highlights: Bristol’s social‑history museum — displaying thousands of objects, stories and media that trace the city’s evolution from historic port to modern metropolis. Great for understanding Bristol’s identity, culture and social heritage through time. We The Curious Website: wethecurious.org Address: One Millennium Square, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB Highlights: An interactive science centre with over 200 hands‑on exhibits and the UK’s only 3D planetarium. Ideal for families, curious minds and anyone who enjoys interactive learning — from bubbles and brains to robots and space. Arnolfini (Centre for Contemporary Arts) Website: arnolfini.org.uk Address: 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA Highlights: A leading contemporary arts centre on the harbourside — with rotating exhibitions, performance art, cinema, a bookshop, café‑bar, and a vibrant cultural programme. Perfect for exploring modern art, creative energy, and cross‑disciplinary culture. The Georgian House Museum Website: via Bristol Museums network — part of the city’s heritage building collection. Address: 7 Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RR (historic townhouse museum) Highlights: Step back in time to 18th‑century Bristol — this preserved townhouse offers a glimpse of Georgian life, with period rooms and historic interiors. A quiet, immersive way to experience history close to the city centre. Red Lodge Museum Website: via Bristol Museums / city heritage listings on local culture portals. Address: Park Row, Bristol BS1 5LJ Highlights: One of Bristol’s oldest surviving historic houses, with original Tudor & Elizabethan rooms and a beautiful knot garden. Offers a peaceful, atmospheric look into centuries‑old domestic life and craftsmanship.

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Indoor Fun & Family‑Friendly Activities in Bristol

Join your host, Terence Williams, for a six‑stop dive into Bristol’s top indoor spots — perfect for rainy days, family outings, or just a fun break from city bustle. From science centres to activity parks, this episode explores a mix of engaging, playful, and interactive venues where everyone from kids to adults can have a great time. 🧩 Places featured: We The Curious Website: wethecurious.org Address: One Millennium Square, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB Highlights: An interactive science centre with 200+ hands‑on exhibits and the UK’s 3D planetarium. Great for families — lots of experiments, creativity zones, and educational fun indoors. Website: bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed Address: Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol BS1 4RN Highlights: A social‑history museum telling the story of Bristol — ideal for history buffs, curious minds, or a thoughtful indoor visit that gives deeper context to the city. King Pin Bowling & Arcade – Cabot Circus Website: kingpins.co.uk Address: Cabot Circus, Broad Weir, Bristol (inside Cabot Circus complex) Highlights: Bowling, arcade games, shuffleboard, darts, karaoke — a fun, lively venue for friends, families or groups looking for games and social fun come rain or shine. AirHop Bristol Website: airhop.co.uk Address: Unit 5 Britannia Road, Patchway, Bristol. BS34 5TA Highlights: Trampolining, active play zones — a great pick for energetic kids or adults who want to bounce, play, and Laser Combat Bristol Website: laser-combat.co.uk Address: C/O, TeamSport Go Karting, Avonmouth Way, Avonmouth, Bristol BS11 9EA Highlights: Indoor multi‑level laser tag arena — perfect for groups, families, or friends looking for a fun, competitive indoor adventure (great for birthdays or group outings). Tenpin Bristol Website: tenpin.co.uk Address: Avonmeads Retail Park, St Phillips Marsh, Bristol, BS2 0SP Highlights: Bowling, karaoke, arcade, and games rooms — a versatile indoor leisure spot where you can mix games, music, and social fun under one roof.

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Hidden Gardens & Green Rooftops in Bristol

Join your host, Terence Williams, for a leafy escape across Bristol’s most surprising green spaces. In this episode, we uncover six rooftop terraces, secret gardens, and elevated urban oases — each verified with a working website and public address. From panoramic lookouts to community-tended hideaways, this is your guide to the city's most tranquil outdoor spots above or off the beaten path. 🌿 Places featured: Clifton Observatory Website: cliftonobservatory.com Address: Litfield Place, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LT Highlights: Historic tower with a scenic rooftop terrace overlooking Clifton Suspension Bridge and Avon Gorge. Ideal for a tranquil, elevated city perspective. Bambalan Website: bambalan.co.uk Address: Beacon Tower, Colston Street, Bristol BS1 4XE Highlights: A colourful rooftop bar and restaurant with one of the best open-air terraces in the city — perfect for sunset drinks or brunch with a view. The Mall (Clifton) Website: designmynight.com Address: 66 The Mall, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4JG Highlights: A Victorian pub with a hidden, three-tier garden terrace behind it. Quiet, leafy, and surprisingly expansive for a tucked-away rooftop. Bedminster Secret Gardens Website: opengardens.co.uk Address: Locations throughout Bedminster, Bristol BS3 Highlights: Once-a-year open-garden event where residents across Bedminster invite the public into their hidden gardens — full of charm, colour, and personal touches. Bedminster Station Garden Group Website: farmgarden.org.uk Address: Near Bedminster Station, Victoria Park Lower Entrance, Fraser Street, BS3 4LY Highlights: A volunteer-maintained community garden that turned disused railway land into a blooming sanctuary with flowers, bird-feeders, and herbs. GreenHouse Community Garden Website: gardeniser.eu Address: Bedminster, Bristol (exact coordinates on website) Highlights: An active urban garden cultivated by locals, offering a quiet, natural setting for reflection, education, and relaxation in the heart of the neighbourhood.

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Craft Spirits & Live Music in Bristol

Join your host, Terence Williams, for an evening-focused episode featuring six of Bristol’s best destinations for great drinks and unforgettable sounds. We’re exploring independent distilleries and iconic music venues — all active, with verified websites and public addresses, so you can sip and sway your way through Bristol’s spirited nightlife. 🍸🎶 Places featured: Bristol Dry Gin at The Rummer Website: bristoldrygin.com Address: The Rummer, All Saints Lane, Bristol BS1 1JH Highlights: Boutique gin distillery offering small-batch spirits and tasting sessions inside one of Bristol’s oldest pubs — nestled in the heart of the Old City. Old Market Distillery Website: oldmarketdistillery.com Address: Old Market, Bristol Highlights: A small-batch, urban distillery producing handcrafted spirits in a tucked-away corner of East Bristol — known for creative botanicals and an experimental vibe. The Fleece Website: thefleece.co.uk Address: 12 St Thomas Street, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6JJ Highlights: A legendary live music venue that’s hosted the likes of Oasis and Radiohead. Today, it’s still going strong with an eclectic lineup of emerging and established acts. Bristol Beacon Website: bristolbeacon.org Address: Trenchard Street, Bristol BS1 5AR Highlights: Bristol’s major concert hall, beautifully refurbished and home to everything from classical to cutting-edge performances in one of the city’s most iconic venues. The Louisiana Website: thelouisiana.net Address: Wapping Road, Bristol BS1 6UA Highlights: An intimate pub and upstairs venue that’s served as a launchpad for countless indie bands — a true Bristol music institution with major grassroots credibility. Thekla Website: theklabristol.co.uk Address: The Grove, East Mud Dock, Bristol BS1 4RB Highlights: A converted cargo ship turned floating venue moored in Bristol’s harbour — Thekla delivers everything from DJ nights to live rock gigs in one of the city’s most unique locations.

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Spotlight on Bristol

Bookable Experiences & One-Off Adventures in Bristol

Join your host, Terence Williams, as he explores six bookable experiences in Bristol that go beyond simply “going out.” From immersive games and tastings to creative and sensory adventures, this episode is all about memorable experiences you can plan, book, and gift. Every place featured is actively trading, independently run, and offers a clear, book-ahead experience. 🎟️ Places featured: Wake The Tiger Website: https://www.wakethetiger.com Address: 127 Albert Road, St Philips, Bristol BS2 0YA Highlights: The UK’s first “Amazement Park®” — a large-scale immersive art experience with hidden doors, interactive storytelling, and surreal environments you explore at your own pace. Axe & Trap Website: https://axeandtrap.com Address: 153 Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2RA Highlights: Guided axe-throwing sessions in a safe, social environment. A popular choice for group bookings, birthdays, and competitive fun with expert instructors. Locked In A Room Website: https://lockedinaroom.co.uk Address: 6–8 Park Street, Bristol BS1 5HX Highlights: One of Bristol’s original escape-room venues, offering multiple themed puzzle rooms that challenge teamwork, logic, and problem-solving under pressure. Bristol Blue Glass Website: https://bristol-blue-glass.co.uk Address: Unit 2, 15–17 Bath Buildings, Montpelier, Bristol BS6 5PT Highlights: Hands-on glass-blowing experiences where visitors can create their own piece of Bristol Blue glass with guidance from skilled artisans. 6 O’Clock Gin Experience Website: https://www.6oclockgin.com/experiences Address: 6 O’Clock Gin Distillery, Thornbury, South Gloucestershire BS35 3UT Highlights: Bookable distillery tours and tasting experiences exploring botanicals, copper stills, and the story behind one of the region’s best-known craft gins. SUP Bristol Website: https://www.supbristol.com Address: Baltic Wharf, Cumberland Road, Bristol BS1 6XG Highlights: Stand-up paddleboarding lessons and guided tours through Bristol’s floating harbour — a relaxed but memorable way to see the city from the water.

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Craft Beer and Brewery Taprooms in Bristol

Join your host, Terence Williams, for a flavourful journey through Bristol’s buzzing craft beer scene. In this episode, we visit six of the city’s best breweries and taprooms — from bold innovators to beloved independents — all verified with websites and public addresses. Whether you’re a dedicated hop-head or just beer-curious, this lineup offers something for every pint-seeker. 🍺 Places featured: Wiper and True Brewery & Taproom Website: wiperandtrue.com Address: Unit 11, City Business Park, St Jude’s, Bristol BS5 0SP Highlights: Sleek modern taproom with communal seating, an ever-changing beer lineup brewed onsite, and seasonal events in a welcoming industrial-chic setting. Bristol Beer Factory – Tap Room Website: bristolbeerfactory.co.uk Address: 291 North Street, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JP Highlights: One of Bristol’s most iconic breweries, located in a former milk bottling plant. Offers a large taproom, regular food trucks, and brewery tours. Moor Beer Company Website: moorbeer.co.uk Address: Days Road, St Philips, Bristol BS2 0QS Highlights: Known for pioneering unfined (naturally hazy) beers. The taproom hosts live music, serves fresh pours, and opens directly into the working brewery. Little Martha Brewing Website: littlemarthabrewing.co.uk Address: Arch 23, Oxford Street, St Philips, Bristol BS2 0QT Highlights: Small but mighty microbrewery tucked under a railway arch near Temple Meads. Offers intimate taproom tastings and seasonal special brews. Hop Union Brewery & Taproom Website: hopunionbrewery.co.uk Address: 329 Wells Road, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2AG Highlights: Friendly local brewery with a traditional pub feel, offering unique craft ales and a cosy taproom experience in South Bristol. Left Handed Giant Brewpub Website: lefthandedgiant.com Address: Hawkins Lane, Finzels Reach, Bristol BS1 6EU Highlights: Vibrant riverside brewpub serving experimental brews, wood-fired pizza, and cityscape views — one of Bristol’s flagship modern beer destinations.

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Wellness, Yoga & Mind‑Body Spaces in Bristol

Join your host, Terence Williams, for a deep breath through Bristol’s most restorative venues. In this episode, we visit six wellness sanctuaries — top yoga studios, holistic spa spaces, and movement centres — each verified with a working website so you can plan your own escape. Expect calm rooms, guided flow, meditative practices, and spaces designed for reconnecting. Places featured: Bristol Yoga Centre Website: bristolyogacentre.co.uk Address: 10 Park Row, Bristol BS1 5LJ Highlights: A calm and inclusive studio in central Bristol offering yoga, Pilates, workshops, and private tuition — all taught by highly experienced instructors in a supportive environment. Yoganand Studio Website: yoganand.co.uk Addresses: 68 Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1QU Highlights: A welcoming space with two Bristol locations (Clifton and City Centre), Yoganand offers yoga, movement, and breathwork classes rooted in mindfulness and wellbeing, with a strong community ethos. Yogasara Website: yogasara.co.uk Address: 10‑12 Picton Street, Montpelier, Bristol BS6 5QA Highlights: Located in Montpelier, Yogasara combines yoga, meditation, and holistic therapies in a peaceful, intimate setting. Known for deepening practice and offering teacher training and somatic workshops. Elevate (Yoga / Pilates / Barre Studio) Website: elevatetogether.co.uk Address: Unit 11, Cargo 2, Wapping Wharf, Bristol, BS1 6ZA Highlights: Situated at Wapping Wharf, Elevate offers dynamic yoga, barre, and Pilates classes with stunning harbourside views — blending contemporary movement with a calm, grounded aesthetic. NOW Studio Website: nowstudiobristol.com Address: Mivart Studios, Bristol BS5 6JF Highlights: An Easton-based wellness and creative studio hosting yoga, breathwork, sound therapy, and embodiment practices in a beautiful, light-filled space designed for self-expression and stillness. Sensate Spa & Studios Website: sensatespaandstudios.com Address: The Garden, 68 Northumbria Dr, Henleaze, Bristol BS9 4HW Highlights: Tucked away in a hidden Bristol location, Sensate blends spa rituals, sauna, and wellness therapies with yoga and movement sessions — offering a luxurious escape into stillness and self-care.

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Day Trips & Escape Ventures from Bristol

Join your host, Terence Williams, for a journey beyond Bristol’s urban edges in Episode 12: Day Trips & Escape Ventures from Bristol. In this episode, we visit six destinations around the city — from dramatic gorges to immersive caves and cinematic escapes — each with a working website and address so you can plan your next adventure. Expect scenic walks, underground paths, geological wonders, and hidden cinematic treasures. Places featured: Cheddar Gorge & Caves Website: cheddargorge.co.uk Address: Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3QF Highlights: One of England’s most dramatic limestone gorges, featuring towering cliffs, underground caverns, and scenic walking trails through the Mendip Hills. Wookey Hole Caves Website: wookey.co.uk Address: Wookey Hole, Somerset, BA5 1BB Highlights: A vast underground cave system with guided tours, illuminated passages, animatronic displays, and mythical storytelling that appeals to explorers of all ages. Forest of Dean / Clearwell Caves Website: clearwellcaves.com Address: Clearwell, Coleford, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, GL16 8JR Highlights: Walk among wild woodland trails, discover ancient iron mines turned limestone show caves, and explore subterranean chambers with a sense of timeless mystery. Bath Website: visitbath.co.uk Address: Bath, Somerset, BA1 Highlights: A classic heritage city escape just a short trip away — Roman baths, Georgian architecture, scenic riverside walks, and cultural museums make it a perennially loved destination. Tyntesfield (National Trust) Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield Address: Wraxall, near Bristol, North Somerset, BS48 1NX Highlights: A Victorian Gothic Revival country estate surrounded by woodlands and gardens. Tour the grand house, stroll forest trails, and explore hidden corners of historic architecture. Puzzlewood (Forest of Dean area) Website: puzzlewood.net Address: Puzzlewood, Coleford, Gloucestershire, GL16 7EL Highlights: Enchanted woodland with twisting paths, ancient trees, mossy stonework, and forest scenery used in films and TV — a magical, atmospheric getaway just beyond city limits.

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Cocktails & Independent Cinema Nights in Bristol

Join host Terence Williams as he explores the intersection of drinks culture and film in Bristol. This episode highlights six standout spots—cocktail bars and indie cinemas—where sophistication meets creativity after dark. Each location has a live website and confirmed address so you can plan your next night out with confidence. Places featured: The Milk Thistle Website: milkthistlebristol.com Address: Quay Head House, Colston Ave, Bristol BS1 1EB Why: Stylish, multi-floor speakeasy cocktail bar hidden in the city centre. Filthy XIII Website: filthyxiii.com Address: 208 Cheltenham Road, Bristol BS6 5QU Why: Award‑winning cocktail bar in Stokes Croft with creative drink menus and small bites. Watershed Website: watershed.co.uk Address: 1 Canon’s Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5TX Why: Iconic independent cinema and cultural centre, with café/bar and creative programming. Everyman Bristol Website: everymancinema.com Address: Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2NH Why: Boutique cinema with luxe seating, in-cinema dining, and a bar. Cube Cinema Website: cubecinema.com Address: Dove Street South [off top-left of King Square], Kingsdown, Bristol. BS2 8JD Why: Known for alternative, cult, arthouse film & community programming. The Juke Box Website: thejukeboxbars.com Address: 32 Park Street, Bristol BS1 5JA Why: Cocktail bar with live music, energetic ambiance, creative drinks.

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Unique Experiences & Immersive Bristol

This week on Spotlight on Bristol, your host Terence Williams takes you on a journey through six of the city’s most unexpected and immersive destinations. From interactive art parks and underground railways to private micro-cinemas and artist-run galleries, this episode is all about the Bristol experiences that go beyond the usual. Every stop is a place that invites you to step inside, get involved, and see the city from a new perspective — with confirmed websites and addresses so you can visit for yourself. Places Featured Spike Island Artspace Website: spikeisland.org.uk Address: 133 Cumberland Road, Bristol BS1 6UX Highlights: A hub for contemporary art, artist studios, exhibitions, events, and a café — located right on the harbourside. Tobacco Factory Theatres Website: tobaccofactorytheatres.com Address: Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol BS3 1TF Highlights: A community-focused theatre and event venue inside a converted factory, with its own café/bar and a popular Sunday market. Wake The Tiger Website: wakethetiger.com Address: 127 Albert Road, St Philips, Bristol BS2 0YA Highlights: Described as the UK’s first “Amazement Park®,” it features 40+ interactive art installations blending storytelling, design, and immersive theatre. 20th Century Flicks Website: 20thcenturyflicks.co.uk Address: 19 Christmas Steps, Bristol BS1 5BS Highlights: A one-of-a-kind video rental store and micro-cinema with over 20,000 titles and two private screening rooms for hire. Clifton Rocks Railway Website: cliftonrocksrailway.com Address: Sion Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 (adjacent to the Clifton Suspension Bridge) Highlights: A hidden funicular railway built into the Avon Gorge cliffs — tours and restoration events reveal Bristol’s subterranean secrets. Camera Obscura & Clifton Observatory Website: cliftonobservatory.com Address: Litfield Road, Clifton Down, Bristol BS8 3LT Highlights: An iconic windmill-turned-observatory offering a working camera obscura, historic caves, and panoramic views of the Suspension Bridge and Avon Gorge.

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Rooftop Bars & Sweet Treats Around Bristol

Join your host, Terence Williams, for a sky-high and sugar-filled tour of Bristol. This week, we’re mixing rooftop cocktails with crêpes, gelato, and dessert cafés — six fully verified spots where the views are great, and the treats are even better. Each business has a live website and confirmed location, so you can plan your next evening out with ease. 📍 Places Featured: Bambalan Website: bambalan.co.uk Address: Podium Level, Beacon Tower, Colston Street, Bristol BS1 4XE Highlights: Mediterranean-inspired food and cocktails served on a vibrant rooftop terrace with panoramic city views. The White Lion Bar (at Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin) Website: hotelduvin.com Address: Sion Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4LD Highlights: Iconic terrace bar with one of the best views in the UK — overlooking the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Avon Gorge. Zerodegrees Website: zerodegrees.co.uk Address: 53 Colston Street, Bristol BS1 5BA Highlights: Rooftop microbrewery and bar serving craft beer, wood-fired pizzas, and pasta dishes with skyline views. Chez Marcel Website: chezmarcelcreperie.com Address: 43 Broad Street, Bristol BS1 2EP Highlights: Cosy French crêperie offering both sweet and savoury galettes. A perfect dessert or light dinner stop in the city centre. Swoon Gelato Website: swoononaspoon.co.uk Address: 31 College Green, Bristol BS1 5TB Highlights: Award-winning artisan gelato bar serving rich Italian-style gelato, seasonal specials, and vegan sorbets. Creams Café Website: creamscafe.com Address: 23–25 Baldwin Street, Bristol BS1 1NA Highlights: Modern dessert parlour serving waffles, crepes, sundaes, cookie dough, and milkshakes — great for late-night sweet cravings.

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