Christmas lunch reviews
These reviews were written retrospectively, so they are sketchy on the food
that we had, but clear about the atmosphere.
2003
Quartier Vert
We really enjoyed our meal at Quartier Vert, the service was excellent and not
too rushed and the wine was great. Here is what they say on the front page of
their website, which is well worth a visit as it's very snazzy! 'The
restaurant, was born out of a desire to return to European traditions: simple
cooking using local, organic ingredients. Our business has since grown to
include a cookery school, a bakery and catering. Our philosophy is simple. Good
food depends on good cooking. Good cooking depends on good produce. Good
produce depends on good agricultural practices.'
2004
Anthem
Anthem is an excellent restaurant that has been visited many times since this
Christmas meal as the menu is great, very varied and caters for many dietary
requirements. I even organised my Mum's 60th birthday celebrations there in
2006! I can't find a website for Anthem, but here are their contact details,
Address: 27-29 St Michael's Hill, Bristol, BS2 8DZ Phone: +44 (0)117 929 2834
2005
Juniper
We had excellent meals at Juniper, the food and wine were lovely and there is a
nice airy feel about the place. It was generally felt that in the future, a
second christmas dinner after a christmas lunch was not a great idea. From
their website: 'Juniper offers a quietly contemporary but cosy dining space,
with plenty of quiet corners and intimate tables for 2 (each with their own
smart chrome lamp) as well as tables for larger groups of customers. There's
also an upstairs space perfect for supper parties. Juniper's reputation as a
relaxed, reasonably priced but quality place to eat means a steadily building
roster of regulars keen to keep it a not-so-well-kept secret. After visiting
you'll understand why.'
2006
Goldbrick House
This was quite a treat as not only were the food and wine superb, but we had
our own room with a CD player, an area in which to sit and have drinks before
lunch, a huge dining table and a separate library! After the meal we played
Jenga until it was time to go home. Their website is also excellent, 'Welcome
to Goldbrick House, an ideal bolt hole for those of you looking to kick back,
relax and enjoy a sensory respite from life's more arduous duties. Loaf to your
heart's content in this unique and independently run pleasure dome.'
2007
Juniper
Well, with the end of 2007 approaching, we returned to a welcoming favourite!
The restaurant itself certainly stands out along Cotham Road and, inside is a
rather cosy environment, making the whole experience very festive. The service
was friendly, yet unobtrusive and the Christmas menu a delight - which made it
hard to decide what to order! Starters such as terrine of local game, braised
local venison and grilled goats cheese were on offer. Temptations from the main
course menu ranged from supreme of pheasant to butternut squash risotto.
Desserts were equally ambrosial. Along with the constant stream of conversation
and banter among the lab members, the afternoon (which didn't end there) was
most excellent!
