Tried and tasted: Bristol's best local lunches

By Annabel Bienfait, Community Editor

As the university year draws to a close, days which used to be filled with lectures, library trips, and coffees from Mocha Mocha look scarily empty. But fear not… this is the perfect time to try all that Bristol has to offer, starting with student deals at Epigram’s favourite local cafes and restaurants. Tempted by Rack’s £7 lunch deal, and Pinkmans’ student discount and summer specials, I decided to put these establishments to the test.

Pinkmans

Embarking on this very serious journalistic adventure, I paid a visit to Pinkmans: a Bristolian cafe institution, offering brunch, baked goods, and high-quality coffee. While they have branches in Stokes Croft, Bristol Cathedral, Wapping Wharf and Westbury-on-Trym, I visited the Whiteladies’ location, which is ideally placed next to Clifton Down Shopping Centre. Upon entering, I was struck by the sunny ambience, and warm, friendly service. The panoramic windows are an ideal spot to people-watch, while the rest of the café has plenty of comfortable seating.

'Garden plate' | Epigram / *Annabel Bienfait*

Pinkman’s serve brunch, lunch, and fresh sweet treats daily. While I was tempted by their stacked focaccia sandwiches and ‘sourdoughnuts’, I ordered from their well-curated brunch menu. When my ‘Garden Plate’ arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by fresh tomatoes and mushrooms, piled high amongst hummus, a hash brown, and sourdough toast. This certainly isn’t your typical avo-toast-brunch. Not a single aspect of the dish was neglected or unnecessary, and highlights included the flavourful beans and the generous helping of smashed avocado. My partner opted for the ‘Hot Honey Chorizo Scramble’, which consists of sourdough toast, scrambled eggs and chorizo, topped with plenty of spicy chorizo and sharp pickled red onion. It was decedant, but balanced, and the quality of the ingrdients stood out in every bite.

For drinks, we ordered an ‘Oat Matcha Latte’ and a ‘Hot Chocolate’, and we were thrilled by the large steaming cups of comforting, high quality drinks. We also tried Pinkmans’ summer special: Raspberry and Basil Lemonade. This was perfectly refreshing, and not too sweet. Every dish and drink at Pinkmans reflects the genuine care put into its creation, not to mention the intentional sourcing of ingredients from local, sustainable suppliers.

'Matcha and a Hot Chocolate' | Epigram / *Annabel Bienfait*

With a 5% student discount to make the most of, I would be silly not to revisit Pinkmans. Next time, I might go for the new ‘Halloumi Crobun Stack’ or indulge in full portion of the beans with their ‘Posh Beans on Toast’. And who could say no to a fresh doughnut (or two)?

Racks

Next up, I found myself at Racks: everyone’s favourite spot for society formals and 2-for-£14 cocktails. Had it been a sunnier day, I would’ve sat out on their suntrap terrace, but I settled for a table inside, enjoying the cosy ambience and attentive service.

'Drinks and small plates' | Epigram / *Annabel Bienfait*

I began the meal with a couple of starters: the ‘Patatas Bravas’ (one dish every ‘tapas’ restaurant should pull off well) and the olive and bread board. The Patatas Bravas was a standout. Potatoes coated generously in rich, smoky tomato sauce, which held its own against the indulgent-but-not-too-rich mayonnaise. Next, I moved onto Racks’ new £7 lunch menu. The menu is extensive, if not a little random, with the likes of a burrata salad, next to steak and a peri peri chicken pitta. It’s a generous deal, and an unrivalled price for such elevated dishes.

'Fish finger sarnie' | Epigram / *Annabel Bienfait*

But for us vegetarians out there… there’s not much choice, I’m afraid. So, while my partner thoroughly enjoyed his fish finger sandwich (“flavourful fish, elevated by sharp lemon and pickled cabbage”), I had slightly less joy eating the ‘Vegan Sweet Pea & Mint Ravioli’. The pasta had a strange herby oiliness, which was calling out for some citrus for a bit of zing. Unfortunately, the pea, mint and ‘cheese’ additions added little flavour or texture. For £7, you can’t complain, but neither can you celebrate a slightly lacklustre meal.

As for the drinks, the menu is extensive, with a particularly enticing cocktail section. My mojito was light, sparkling and fresh, while my partner’s Neck Oil was a solid choice from a comprehensive list of draught beers. And don’t forget, Racks offer students: