Stokes Croft & Gloucester Road

STOKES CROFT AND GLOUCESTER ROAD

Street art, ethical restaurants, independent shopping, nightlife and a boho vibe

STOKES CROFT

Head for the Stokes Croft cultural district to see some of Bristol’s most celebrated street art, including Banksy’s famous Mild Mild West. The Cube Microplex on nearby Dove Street is a cinema and arts venue presenting film, music and cabaret. Legendary nightclub Lakota is here, along with some of the city’s best-known bars and live-music pubs. On the food front, the emphasis is on local, ethical and vegan fare as well as global cuisines. Look out for Stokes Croft China – makers of ‘radical’ English bone china that encapsulates the mood of this bohemian neighbourhood. There are more colourful shops, cafés and restaurants on Cheltenham Road, which joins Stokes Croft to Gloucester Road.

GLOUCESTER ROAD

They say it’s the longest independent shopping street in Europe, and Gloucester Road is certainly one of the liveliest of Bristol’s neighbourhoods. The high street is a vibrant part of the community with wide pavements decorated with plants and flowers and crowded with cafés, bars and interesting shops. There are some great places to eat and drink in the neighbourhood including artisan bakeries and atmospheric pubs serving craft ales from local breweries. For live music, try the Gallimaufry or the Golden Lion. Nearby, St Andrews Park has children’s playgrounds and open spaces. Just off Gloucester Road, the George Müller Museum tells the story of this Victorian cleric’s pioneering homes for orphans. Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and Bristol Rovers Football Club are also in the area.

FOOD & DRINK

Bakers & Co Choose from a tempting range of sourdough pastries and breads along with excellent coffee at this popular artisan bakery. The Canteen An all-veggie menu made using ethical, sustainable and seasonal ingredients, plus free live music five nights a week. The Coconut Tree Flavourful Sri Lankan street food dishes made for sharing and served with fiery ‘cocotails’.

Full Moon & Attic Bar

Pick from wood-fired pizzas, Mexican street food and fried chicken at this backpackers’ hostel and music venue. The Gallimaufry Home cooking, curio bar, local art, live music and more at what the locals call the ‘Galli’. Koocha Mezze Bar Colourful plant-based Persian dishes and cocktails match the vibrant décor in this fun vegan restaurant. Lakota Gardens Party at this rain-or-shine outdoor bar serving cocktails, beers, ciders and cool sounds. Pieminister The original pie shop behind the award-winning Bristol-born chain. Purezza This vegan pizzeria puts a plant-based spin on traditional Neapolitan pizzas using innovative, sustainable ingredients.

Clockwise from top: Room 212, Pieminister in Stokes Croft and Purezza.