East Village Cafe - Bristol

The arch house deli had been a highlight of many visits to Clifton village, a corner of Bristol I frequent most weekends, actually – it’s so close to where I live.

I once had the most delicious chunk of cheese from that deli. I don’t know what it was – a comte or gruyere – I couldn’t tell you, but a nice man wrapped it in wax paper for me and I paid £6.50 for the privilege of midnight nibbles and after-work snacks like no other.

You can imagine my sadness then, when the arch house deli closed last year! I was so sad, that I did what any normal, loyal, person would do, and stuck my nose up at the news of a vegetarian/vegan café taking its place. My stubbornness didn’t last long, however, (it never does), as I popped in for some cake and coffee one Saturday before Christmas and LOVED the place.

I’m not usually this fickle but all good things must come to an end and better things can often take their place and old doors close and new ones open etc etc etc.

Anyway, since East Village took over the space, it seems to have doubled in size, and is so much brighter, too. An original lover of flamingos (before every major retailer took it too far), my eyes fixated on the flamingo print – it’s unlike anything I’ve seen before and I want it for my future home. I’ll also have greenery draping from the ceiling and gold and silver stars on the walls; a sweet, fun and homey yet enviably stylish setting for coffee catch ups. East Village Cafe certainly fits in with its neighbours – which include some of my absolute favourites; Anna Cake Couture and Papersmiths to name a couple.

While on the surface East Village Cafe looks to be just another place for Basics to Instagram their coffee and cake against a fuzzy backdrop of glowing gold and green (that would be me) – something Bristol definitely does not need – it is, in fact, exactly what Clifton needs. The vegetarian and vegan cafes are sparse in this particular area of the city, and as this way of living becomes more popular the demand must be met. East Village Café filled a gap in the market with a menu made up entirely of vegetarian and vegan food and drink and I couldn't be happier about it.

As a temporary vegan, this café appeals to me. I can go in and order absolutely anything without having to look for the (V) sign. Isn’t that great! I save all of three minutes of my menu browsing experience.

Anyway, these are the cakes Emily and I got: 

Carrot cake with, what tasted like, coconut cream (yum).

And the last slice of their cranberry bakewell tart (YUM). 

Along with the interior decor, we especially liked the cutlery and crockery. These things matter, deeply, and East Village Cafe is smart to take care in these aspects of its new business. Anything aesthetically pleasing will find its way onto the 'gram, and that's free advertising. I have a feeling this place is here to stay, so check it out next time you're in the village. If you can try a slice of the Nordic blueberry pie then definitely DO. It's incredible and, like, Nordic Bakery standard.

Anna Cake Couture – Clifton, Bristol

We found Anna on a wet, windy December afternoon. From the outside this boutique-like cafe looked tiny; just one table and two chairs, a small counter and a blackboard menu. I wasn't interested, but Sarah insisted we go in, and I'm glad, or I might never have discovered this absolute gem of a cafe. This is where I take all my friends and family when they visit. Everyone loves it.

Anna opened in Clifton village in November last year and has since become a hit with locals and visitors alike. The staff are lovely, enthusiastic and tend to your every need. They care about what they do and it really makes a difference to the overall experience. I like trying new things so I was pleased when the waiter recommended the white peony tea on my first visit. He described it as a lighter version of green tea, and it was truly delicious in its delicateness.


We sat in the hidden seating area at the back of the cafe and watched Anna's team work their magic in the kitchen, just metres from our table. It made me want (more than I usually do) to buy my own place and spend my days baking croissants, cakes and macarons.

If you're going to Anna for the cake (of course you are) then you'll want to get there a few hours before they close - they make everything fresh and it sells fast. I experienced first hand the disappointment of pointing at a lemon meringue tart only to be told it was sold. As if cake can be reserved!

A strong claim, but I'm making it: you won't find prettier, more delectable cakes in Bristol - or, perhaps the whole UK.

And the tea was special, too. It came with a timer and the hot water and leaves were kept separate - vital in preventing over steeping.

Banoffee layer cake

Chai macaron and chocolate & walnut cookie

Sarah noted that not many cafes get both their drinks and cakes right, but Anna excels in  both avenues. Having been to this beautiful little cafe on a handful of occasions, I can vouch for the fact that they provide both well made sweet treats and good quality tea and coffee, and I can't wait to try even more of their offerings.You can find out more about Anna here - they also make wedding cakes and offer classes in baking, too.

Sunday Brunch at Primrose Cafe – Bristol

Sunday brunch – it can't be beat. After our autumnal stroll, Em and I met Sian at Primrose Cafe in Clifton for something to eat.

Everyone in Bristol raves about this place, and now I can too. (I'm really starting to feel like I belong here, can you tell?) From the outside it doesn't look like anything special, but what's inside makes up for that.

Not only is the decor lovely – gold stars painted on the ceiling, a giant clock telling the wrong time and a teeny tiny bar – the food is absolutely fantastic.

If there's bacon and maple syrup on a brunch menu, I'm ordering it. This waffle was so worth the wait (the only downside to ordering at peak brunch time). I don't think I've ever had one homemade before but I could definitely taste the difference after many disappointing shop bought varieties. It was soft, buttery and slightly crisp on the ridges. With the bacon and maple syrup it was just the perfect brunch dish... I could have eaten another.

Em and Sian both ordered slices of the coconut and lime cake (it was amazing) and two pots of tea. It was an all-round delicious visit and I will most definitely be going back! 

What a treat to spend a Sunday afternoon with two beauties, enjoying some tasty homemade food. Didn't I say weekends are my favourite? Find out more about Primrose Cafe here.

Autumn in Bristol

Since moving to Bristol, weekends have become that bit more special. This is my kind of city: roads lined with trees slowly shedding their amber leaves, the fading feeling of newness, the beginning of belonging. A city which I have always been drawn to, one in which I am establishing friendships and a home.

Em was my model last Sunday. The night before we dip dyed her hair and I am so impressed with the result – it blended well and looks so natural. 

What a beautiful muse for my annual autumn post. Where's your favourite spot for crunchy leaves and colourful trees? Check out my post on autumn from last year – set in stunning Cheltenham – here!