Bristol, the city famed for its maritime history, Aardman (makers of Wallace and Gromit) and the graffiti artist Banksy, not to mention a thrilling music scene, gets a big paws up from me. From the moment I step into our hotel, The Moxy, I am given a very huggy welcome. They make their dog friendliness clear from the outset, with an area around the reception/bar designated for pet pooches and awaiting me in the room a Sir Woofchester’s Welcome Pooch Pack including toys and treats and a ‘Paw Star Martini’ tipple. We have a family suite with a large double bed, pull-out sofa bed, two TVs, one in the bedroom and one in the sitting room, a rack on which to hang coats and a wardrobe for all other human clothes. There’s a posh coffeemaker and tea and coffee stuff.
Highlights! Will, the manager, is totally adorable. Well, I adored him. He was buzzy and happy all the time and of course I loved my treats. Breakfast was great because I got sausages! The humans, meanwhile, could choose from a buffet of traditional English goodies, including bacon and scrambled eggs, different kinds of bread and pastries, fruit, cheese, cereals, fruits, and biscuits; you name it.
Bristol itself is a very cool city. Home of the artist Banksy, so it would be rude not to do the self-walking audio tour of his artworks – many of which are outside, so you can do them with dogs. We all love the waterfront area, which is where to head to for a cultural fix combined with cafe bar culture. There are loads of independent bars and restaurants jostling for our attention, but we opt to sit al fresco overlooking the water at Arnolfini, an art gallery and lovely little bookshop, before taking a look at the Aardman studios and the picturesque multicoloured houses which overlook the harbour.
In the evening, we visit the legendary Granary on an atmospheric cobbled street close to the harbour. The building has quite a history, starting life as a jazz club in 1968 and later as a venue where the likes of Yes, Genesis, Status Quo, Motörhead, Iron Maiden and more played.
It has quite an eclectic vibe; we all loved the murals, clashing prints and attentive as well as trippy Bristol soundtrack. Here, the thing to do is eat dishes cooked ‘over fire’ and wow, they taste good.
The humans loved the crusty sourdough flatbread, followed by delicious mains of lamb kofta served with organic west country yoghurt, pickled shallots and herbs, sirloin steak and a stilton, brussels sprout and confit leek gratin, all cooked over fire and accompanied by a bottle of Flos de Pinoso Blanco, they pronounced, “quite flinty and dry.” There is so much to see here that our two days was clearly not enough. But highlights include the legacy left by Isambard Kingdon Brunel, who created the game-changing Clifton Suspension Bridge in the 1850s.
Clifton is another area you have to explore in Bristol as it’s one of the poshest and prettiest places served by fab bars and restaurants like the gorgeous Coppa lounge bar with its abstract art on dark walls and great
wine. A former Pizza Express, it’s a bit Ivy-esque but without all the showiness. Great for a chilled-out drink or food. The humans chose from a menu of classics, calamari and burrata starters, followed by steak and chips and a ricotta pasta, and I had cuddles from aspiring actor Frank, the waiter.
I felt quite serene sitting in the banquette looking out onto the attractive high street, filled with independent businesses, and although Coppa is part of a small chain, it feels individual and classy. Just like me!
Peppa was a guest of Visit Bristol: www.VisitBristol.co.uk
Thanks to: The Granary: www.granarybristol.com / Moxy Bristol: www.marriott.com / Coppa Club: www.coppaclub.co.uk
By Janet Reeder | Images Paul Morgans
