Our guide to the best things to eat, watch and do in Bristol

We love calling Bristol home and we love welcoming you here when you come on our workshops. A lot of the good stuff happens in unexpected places, which is why an insiders’ guide can go a long way.

So let’s begin with the most important thing…. Where to eat?!

If you want to grab some lunch whilst on a workshop with us, we have a few great options for you.

Artist Residence - this place is right next door to our studio - it takes 25 steps to get from our front door to theirs (we counted)! They have a delicious menu and an eclectic taste in art.

Stokes By The Orchard - Great coffee and yummy baked goods.

The Canteen - Right next door to Stokes, the much-loved Canteen serves up hot soup and delicious locally-sourced mains. Also has great live music in the evenings.

Biblos - Another Bristol classic is only a few doors down: Biblos does huge wraps stuffed with falafel, halloumi, salad and sauciness.

Cafe Kino - A little further up the road is Cafe Kino. A vegan co-operative that does delicious food and always has friendly service.

After the workshop you may want to go further afield. These are some of our absolute favourites for a proper evening meal.

Root - Right on the harbourside, book a table at Root for vegetarian tapas. It’s also in a great location for exploring the centre and checking out all the lovely little shops on Whapping Wharf.

Sonny Stores - A good one if you are staying south of the river. Every single plate is so damn delicious.

Wilson’s - Hands down the best meal I’ve ever had. Set menu with ingredients all grown on their farm. Spenny but worth it - book in advance.

Bokman - Delicious Korean food including handmade dumplings. Good for meat lovers.

Pasta Loco / Past Ripiena - Choose accordingly depending on if you are in Clifton or Central Bristol. Homemade pasta to make your heart melt.

Garden of Easton - This place is packed to the rafters with beautiful plants and the food is yummy too.

Swoon - The best ice cream in the city, get three scoops.

If you are coming for one of our longer retreats, you’ll want somewhere to rest your sleepy head. So here are a few recommendations on where to stay.

Artist Residence - As well as being a great place for food and drinks they also have BEAUTIFUL rooms. The boutique hotel is not the cheapest option, but I can confirm it will feel like a proper treat. If you want a hotel experience without the boutique prices, there are also Hilton, Moxy, Future Inn & Marriott Hotels within 5 minutes walk of the studio.

AirBnb - There are lots of great AirBnb options in Bristol. I’ve put together a list of nearby ones that you might like, but please make sure you read the reviews before deciding for yourself!

If you have some spare time from all your sewing, we recommend checking out the following.

Ottowin Footwear - Super skilled Bristol-based shoemakers who also run shoemaking courses.

Bookhaus - A great Independent bookshop in Whapping Wharf, but be warned: you will want to buy everything in there!

Co-Exist Community Kitchen - Delicious cooking courses that help fund community projects.

Arnolfini - Bristol’s biggest exhibition space, right on the harbourside. A nice place to pick up art-related books too. If it’s a summers evening you will find most of Bristol sat outside Arnolfini having a beer.

Fishponds Pottery - A wonderfully welcoming ceramics studio that runs brillant throwing courses.

If you wanna party while you are here, download the Headfirst App. They have listings of all the best independent gigs and parties happing in the city. Some of our favourite venues include…

Strange Brew - Queer-friendly, alternative DJs, indie events, book launches, a record store… The list goes on.

The Mount Without - Eclectic dance, music and live theatre set in a converted church.

The Cube - Awesome community-run Independent Cinema. Great niche film selection, gigs and local beers.

Bristol Old Vic - Iconic theatre built in 1766, check out what is on whilst you’re here.

Wiper & True Brewery - There are so many good breweries in this city. Wiper & True is my local.

The Old Market Assembly - Great for pizzas, Northern Soul Nights and it has a little independent theatre in the back called ‘The Wardrobe’ which usually has pretty stellar programming.

Watershed - Great cinema for all kinds of film from niche arts house to big blockbusters. Check out the Undershed gallery whilst you are there. Sit and watch the world go by in the bar.

Bristol Beacon - A huge music hall which has just undergone mega referbishment to make the accoustics sound delicious. The programming ranges from big names to local treasures.

We hope these tips help you plan your trip. If you need any more help or advice don’t hesitate to drop us an email on lydia@mademywardrobe.com. See you on a workshop soon.

Big love and safe travels,

Lydia x