Bristol Spirit opens for business on January 20th

86 Whitehall Road in Redfield, previously home to Cafe Des Amis, will be opening to the public as Bristol Spirit from Friday, January 20th. Bristol Spirit is co-founded by Phil Gillies and Sam Espensen, who also co-own Espensen Spirit, producing a range of infused spirits, which is based in St George/Redfield.

From this date, they’ll be open on Thursdays and Fridays from 6-10pm, and on Saturdays from 12-3pm, while from the start of February they’ll also open in the mornings for hot drinks and cake, either to eat in or take away.

Oliver Tidman – previously the owner of Mathilda’s Chilli Bar – will be the resident cook and manager, creating regularly changing, seasonal menus – the launch menu will be Middle Eastern. Bristol Spirit will also be home to a series of ongoing kitchen takeovers featuring all sorts of different food – those interested in running pop-ups should contact Oliver via oliver@espensenspirit.com.

Customers are welcome to visit for food, or just for drinks, which are served with complimentary bar snacks. Booking is advisable, though they will keep some space reserved for drop-ins. To book a table, call them on 0117 939 3552.

On January 14th from 11.30am there will be a launch event in the form of their Bowie Brunch: a menu that starts with chipotle shakshuka with avocado flat breads, plus local bacon for the meat eaters. This will be followed by French toast ice cream sandwiches with a boozy fruit compote, using Espensen Spirit’s very own Gin Genie Blueberry Gin. Tickets are £25.91 each (inc. VAT and booking fee), and include the 2-course lunch and 2 Espensen Spirit drinks. Tickets are available here.