The Star And Dove - A Shining Light When It Comes To A Fantastic Sunday Roast

This Sunday we really fancied a roast. We also wanted to try somewhere new, diverting from our usual favourites, The Grain Barge and Spotted Cow (which I must say, do do a splendid roast). After some speedy Internet searching to the sound of two grumbling tummies, I quickly decided upon The Star and Dove which had some pretty good reviews on Trip Advisor, some claiming they did the best Sunday Roast in Bristol. These glowing reviews guided us towards Totterdown and the said pub. As soon as you enter, the rustic, homely traditional feel of a warm and welcoming pub awaits you. With a load of independent guest ales (which is always a guaranteed winner for us), friendly staff and an unexpected, contemporary twist on the regular Roast Menu we knew immediately, that we had made a great choice. I had the vegetarian choice, baby vegetables, with crispy barley balls and a beetroot and gin gravy-like sauce. Chris had the beef which came with a yummy looking homemade Yorkshire pudding and carrot and hibbus(?) oil puree which seemed to go down fantastically. Both were served with the most colourful array of seasonal vegetables I have ever seen and the roast potatoes were outstanding. Another fabulous find, this city never ceases to amaze me!

Assilah Bistro, A little Moroccan holiday in Bristol

Last night we decided to venture over to Totterdown and try out Assilah Bistro for some tasty Moroccan fare. Chris had certainly done his research, and this unassuming find appears at the no.1 spot on Trip Advisor, making it the favourite restaurant (based on customer reviews) in Bristol. We went with high expectations and arrived with last night's balmy feel only adding to the authentic nature of the outing. From the outside Assilah's has the most lovely, welcoming feel. The rustic, wooden exterior, outside seating, lanterns and fairy lights warmly invite your inside where you find a highly decorative interior, which brings to life vivid thoughts of Arabian Nights, cosy riads and the intimacy of an eclectic souk.

We ate stuffed vine leaves and falafels to start, followed by a whole Poussin cooked with almonds and apricots for Chris and and Aubergine and Courgette bake for me. All the food was absolutely delicious, subtly spiced with fragrant undertones of coriander .

We finished the night, sat outside with a mixed fruit shisha and some sweet mint tea, the perfect end to the perfect evening. I must also mention the fabulous owner who takes a genuine interest in her customers and even offered Chris to come back and borrow a book she was currently reading. Just amazing! We arrived home, well fed, with smiles on our faces, it almost felt like we had been away on holiday for the evening. I could not recommend this place enough, everyone should go there.