NEWS

FOOD & DRINK

TASTY TIDBITS FROM THE CITY’S RESTAURANTS, CHEFS AND PRODUCERS

The new cafe will support local producers GOT BUNS, HUN

FANCY COFFEE AT THE CASTLE?

The Choux Box Patisserie opened its first site in Bristol last month, bringing classic French patisserie to Wapping Wharf. Founded by Somerset-born pastry chef Orlando Partner, The Choux Box opened its first site in Bath in October last year. Having worked as a pastry chef in Michelin-starred kitchens for over 10 years, Orlando wanted to use his knowledge and expertise to make high-quality patisserie fun. Visitors can expect “buns with personality” on the patisserie counter, colourful macarons and delicious local coffee, plus a brand new weekend special released each week. Limited edition creations include the chocolate custard ‘chouxnut’, pistachio and chocolate mille-feuille chouxOli has worked in wine for years and has now started his own business and the ‘tirimi-choux’. The Choux Box works closely with South West suppliers, with everything used in the choux buns The Vaulted Chambers Cafe has opened in the remains of Bristol’s medieval castle in Castle Park. The building is thought to have originally been the entrance to the castle’s sourced from within a 20-mile radius of the great hall and consists of two rooms known production kitchen in Bath. as the porch and north chamber. The vaulted chambers, the sally port and several • thechouxboxpatisserie.com rampart ruins are the only parts of the castle to still survive above ground. Over the last 18 months Bristol Parks and Green Spaces has been working with RAISING (AND RECREATING) THE BAR Historic England to restore the scheduled ancient monument, a status given to nationally important historic buildings. “Park cafes provide focal points for communities and act as hubs for many local groups,” said Mayor Marvin Rees. “I’m delighted to see this collaboration deliver a unique, striking addition to a much-loved part of the city.” The council already operates seven cafes and kiosks across Bristol, with income used to help fund the maintainance of green spaces. “Bristol Park Cafes support local food producers and proudly offer sustainable and healthy menu options,” said catering business manager Jayne Grocock. “It’s always exciting to add another to our group, especially one in A new range of ready-to-serve drinks has popped up in the city, under the name Bristol Cocktails, which launched at the Clifton Observatory in September. The team have launched a trio of drinks –the classic Pina Colada, the Pornstar Martini and the Margarita (in 50cl bottle format, serving four drinks, priced at £19.95) soon to be followed by the Clover Club and Espresso Martini. Developed and created by award-winning bartender Dee Davis, Bristol Cocktails has drawn on her experience and expertise to deliver superior flavour. “Bristol Cocktails is about delivering cocktails to the market that taste just like freshly made bar cocktails,” she said. “Each product has gone through a rigorous development and research process to ensure the quality, taste and texture is of the highest standard.” There’s no need for mixers, mixing or shaking, and the bottles travel well, too, making for easy yet premium portability. such a significant location.” • bristolcocktailcompany.com

Expect colourful macarons too The Pornstar Martini

A LOCAL TONIC

A South Bristol wine and beer store will be lifting spirits as it goes on the road with a mobile bar thanks to a grant from the West of England Combined Authority, led by metro mayor Dan Norris.

Alpha Bottles’ new mobile bar means they can dispense up to four beers, and many other drinks kept chilled by a new fridge, to cater for social events in community venues and homes across Bristol and beyond.

“For such a long time so many social plans were put on ice, but as more people venture out we’re reminded of the joy of getting out, winding down, and having our spirits lifted with friends and families,” said Dan Norris who recently met with Emily Penney, owner of the shop at Imperial Arcade, East Street, to see the new mobile bar and fridge.

“Cheers to Alpha Bottle Shop & Tap! I look forward to finding out about future plans to meet growing demand for this new mobile service.”