Bun-der The Boardwalk
- Guild Of Dough
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
The shops might be filled with plastic pumpkins, cinnamon scented candles, and plaid scarves but, despite what Lord Capitalism wants you to think, it is, in fact, still summer.
The mob bosses of Primark, B&M and the ASDA homewares range may want you to be restarting Gilmore Girls and thinking about what you’re going to dress up as for Hallowe’en, but there are still three weeks of summer left to enjoy before September hits properly. Three weeks of barbecues, holidays, late evening sunsets, sandals and matcha and ice-cream-just-because.
And the best way of avoiding Commercially-Enforced Autumn is going outside.
From the harbour to Blaise Castle, it feels like Bristol is made for long, lazy summer days. A couple of friends, a spot in the sun, a local cider - sometimes, they’re the only thing that gets us through those boring days in the office.
Besides - nobody’s really at work in August, are they?*
Here are our favourite places to catch some rays.
And eat, of course.
The Lazy Dog
We might be biased - it is over the road, after all - but The Lazy Dog has a garden that’s hard to beat. Covered seating, a fantastic menu, and a wendy house for the little ones to play in - what more could you ask for? It’s one of those gardens where you meet your friends ‘for a quick half’ at four and end up leaving at ten, having put the world to rights and eaten several rounds of excellent nachos.
The Bristol Suspension Bridge
Bring a blanket, a bottle, and a basket full of nibbles from the Mall Deli for an oh-so-Bristolian picnic. With views from the harbourside to Dundry, it’s the perfect place to sit on a summer’s evening and watch the sun set. Raining? Head to Salcombe Dairy for an inside seat and some locally-sourced ice cream.
And, if you’re not a fan, just pull a Guy de Maupassant and sit directly in front of it.
Taste Of Napoli
Broadmead may not be everyone’s first thought for outside dining but, once you’ve found this little piece of Italy, you’ll go back again and again. Taste Of Napoli serves authentic Neapolitan pizza by the slice, from their guanciale-topped piccante to their indulgent vegan melanzane. Pair a slice with a chilled Moretti, finish with a scoop of gelato, and watch the world (and the buses) roll by.
St Andrew’s Park
If you turn right out of Guild, walk down Ashley Down Road for about ten minutes, and turn down Happy Lane, you’ll find a little bit of quiet away from the hustle and bustle of Gloucester Road. With activities from a paddling pool to table tennis to a wildlife pond, it’s a great place to take the family - or, if you want something less active, stretch out on the grass with a Guild Of Dough Sakura Cloud Matcha for a bit of summer zen.
Crave
Breakfast? Lunch? Aperitif? Dinner? No matter the time of day, the terrace at Crave is ideal if you’re looking for a little piece of Europe. Facing directly onto the Downs, it’s perfect for people watching, soaking up the sun, or taking a moment to just be. With a menu that ranges from avocado toast to European-inspired small plates, there’s something for everyone - just decide whether you’re going for coffee or cocktails.
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