Treble 7 - Fishponds, Bristol

It's fair to say that I consider it somewhat of a necessity to have an easily-accessible range of venues to frequent whereby to administer my vital intake of coffee and cake – a residential requirement which, for me, has been adequately fulfilled given that Fishponds High Street (and its growing number of reputable eateries) are within crawling distance of my humble abode. In fact, I would have settled for Porto Lounge (the obvious jewel in the crown of the area's increasingly apparent café-culture) but to do so would have ultimately overlooked another shiner in the mix....Introducing Treble 7; a café-come-bar with fresh, funky appeal as well as an extensive menu of affordable yet tasty cuisine...need I continue?! Ah go on then...

Date and Time: Wednesday 21^st March 2012, 14:30

Name of Establishment: Treble 7*

Location: Straits Parade, Fishponds, Bristol

Reason for Visit: A casual kick-back with my lovely Auntie

Weaving through the metallic patio furniture which glinted beneath the springtime sunshine, Auntie S. and I made our way into Treble 7's light, airy and notably spacious interior. The lofty reaches of a prominent clock-face caught our attention as we did so however, its grand presence at the forefront of the building, hinting perhaps, at a little untold history! And, although on this occasion, the outside space was buzzing with those making the most of the weather, inside was the epitome of calm; the balanced ambiance and tidy arrangement of comfortable leather-effect furniture lending to the establishment an arguable edge over the shabby-chic half-light of its aforementioned competition! Here, polished table tops, vibrant wall-art and cheerful, pillar-box red accent colours facilitate a contemporary feel and yet, whilst the décor is unmistakably upbeat, Treble 7's downfall is undoubtedly the service which can be, at times (and depending on the hit-and-miss temperament of ‘server roulette'), a little brusque to say the least – disappointing...

The menu is varied; spanning each and every dining occasion from the good old English fry-up to the likes of a 'Mussel Marinara' main-course! An ample range of sandwiches, paninis and light-bites accompany this, as well as the opportunity to indulge in an alcoholic beverage to wash it all down, (if you are that way inclined of course and we all know that I am – especially with Coors Light at £2.50 a pint which is, if you ask me, an absolute must-have on a warm day!) On this occasion though, the motive was simply, coffee 'n cake and, in regards to the latter (and in a similar fashion to the savoury line-up), the options were endless; not to mention visually alluring given that they had been displayed side-by-side within the well-stocked chiller below the counter! To that end, Auntie S. opted for a rather sizeable slice of coffee cake which, she assured me, had perfectly achieved its bitter-sweet intention; the tangible aroma of a rich-roasted brew offsetting the sweet-noted stickiness of the fudge-flavoured topping without proving overly sickly nor heavily textured – 'just lovely' she enthused, 'and home-made too'! The 'Toblerone' Crunch Cake was also well-received; more-than meeting my sweet-toothed approval with its crumbly biscuit base and a chocolaty melt-down of those characteristic, alpine-inspired peaks! Furthermore, flecked with small pieces of honey and almond nougat, this was a confection not too dissimilar to the ‘Daim’ tart that is top of the bill in Ikea’s Café – hence, entirely appealing though requiring something, (a small measure of pouring cream for instance) to ease its overall density which began to stick to the palate as the mouthfuls intensified. Nevertheless, washed down with a well-made latte (which, served in tall mug and finished with a light swirl of frothed milk, was both delicious and reasonably-priced), it concluded a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon of commendable fare.

Consequently, this is a pleasant space; the free Wi-Fi and inexpensive edibles further promoting that stay-a-while vibe. Plus, with big bay windows (which, it has to be said, simply beg for a spot of people-watching), it's quite the sunshiney retreat; the chilled-out vibe of its continentally-styled outdoor area fully extending to the space within. It's true that those behind Treble 7 need to further invest in the notion of service with a smile and yet, I find myself, upon occasion, almost appreciative of the stand-offish nature of those 'manning the fort'; given that it means spending a good couple of hours without interruption, (great if, like yours truly, you have dedicated an afternoon to your laptop!) Yes, this is an establishment which has become something of a regular haunt; a reliable go-to for a decent java hit and a comfortable location for a routine rendezvous..ultimately proving that there is more to Fishponds' 'foodie' scene than the popular yet, dare I say it, over-rated Loungers presence!

And now for the second opinion...

Auntie S. gave Treble 7 an apt rating of 7/10 and in three words, described its fare as 'simple yet satisfying'.

References:

* Treble 7 do not have a website, nor do they have any online contact information – sort it out guys!

The Cross Hands, Fishponds

Discovering a gastronomical gem a mere ten-minute stroll from one's house is really rather satisfying...simple things pleasing simple (foodie-focussed) minds and all that! Convenientally situated where the road forks at the tip of Fishponds' busy high street is The Cross Hands; an appealing find encapsulating an air of sophistication and clear gastro-pub status; thus, firmly placing it in a different league to other nearby eateries and public houses - most of which, it's fair to say, prove a little rough around the edges at the best of times! Therefore, I'll proceed to explain in a little more detail how stepping into The Cross Hands instantly secured it as my preferred 'local' as well as the reasons behind why it will inevitably establish itself as new-found favourite amongst other venues that offer the ever-desirable concept of posh-pub-grub...

 

Date and Time: Thursday 29^th December 2011, 18:45

Name of Establishment: The Cross Hands

Location: 1 Staple Hill, Fishponds – Bristol

Reason for Visit: Early-evening dinner-date with The Boy

Built in 1884 and having undergone a major refurbishment - which subsequently led to its reopening in December 2010 - The Cross Hands is one of those places that you will have passed multiple times, turned to your significant other and said, “we really must try that place!” For The Boy and I this was quite literally the case and, stepping into the homely ambiance this establishment so effortlessly embodies, we really wished that we had curbed our curiosity sooner..Decked out with hard-wood flooring and solid wooden furniture, there is something indubitably rustic about the space and, complemented with green hues, low-hung chandeliers and sporadically placed candlelight, it is both warm and inviting; facilitating either a cosy catch-up with friends or romantically placed table-for-two - depending on your drinking, or dining, companion(s) of course!

On this occasion, The Boy and I had popped in for a light supper and so, opted against the early evening bargain (available Monday to Thursday from 6:00pm – 7:00pm) whereby a feast of two courses for two, plus a drink each amounts to just £24. Instead, we both chose a main course from the a la carte menu; he the 'Proper' Chilli Con Carne (£7.50) and I the Butternut Squash and Sage Ravioli (£8.50). You should also be aware that, contributing a little diversity to the day-to-day fare, there is also a 'specials' chalk-board which is frequently updated to offer a number of rather special, and seasonal dishes. Meanwhile, heading to the bar to place our orders, it was noted how friendly the service was, not to mention efficient despite the rapidly growing queue of people no doubt hoping to secure their orders before the aforementioned deal's 7:00pm deadline. To drink, The Boy opted for a pint of Bath Ale's Gem which is offered on-tap alongside a vast selection of lagers, real ales and ciders including; Peroni, Sharp's Doom Bar and Thatchers Gold. And for the lady? A small glass of their house white; a crisp and zingy Spanish Macabeo, lovely!

Food was a little while in coming but reassuringly so as we were informed that dishes are made-to-order using the best in 'fresh, seasonal produce'. This transpired to two beautifully-presented dishes and although a little on the pricey side (though arguably no more so than the usual gasto-pub price-tag), both were particularly well-received. The Boy's chilli constituted sizeable chunks of beef in a thick, subtly-spiced and satisfying sauce which had been topped with a cooling blob of sour cream. The boiled white rice momentarily wiped the smile from his face however, reportedly comprising a cheap and rather unhealthy aspect of an otherwise top-notch dish, (I'm told that a wholemeal alternative – just as amply portioned and expertly prepared - would have eradicated the sulk entirely!) That said, the piste de resistance was decidedly the handful of home-made tortilla chips which were wonderfully crisp, earthy in terms of their flavour and, quite simply, delicious. The ravioli was, in my view, a little lacking in quantity, (though perhaps I was slightly hungrier than first anticipated) but each parcel, generously filled with a rich butternut squash purée which could have so easily proven bland had it not been seasoned to perfection, brought about a taste sensation that just danced on the palate. The parmesan crackling was a little 'blink and you'll miss it' but its distinctive twang was notably present and provided the necessary contrast to the sweetness of the vegetable matter – lovely. As is customary in light of my notorious sweet tooth and, I'll be honest, has been known to represent the sole reason for a return visit; I checked out the dessert menu. Unable to choose between the decadence of 'Warm Chocolate Fondant with Vanilla Ice Cream' (£5.50) or the traditionally tempting 'Bakewell Tart with Raspberry Jam Ice Cream' (£5.00), I concluded there that there was nothing for it but to pencil in at least two further visits; after all, they don't say that the proof is in the pudding for nothing!

And so, with weekly promotions to keep its (in my view, non-existant) rivals at bay as well as a Saturday acoustic lounge, Sunday-evening open-mic night and regular comedy sessions, this is a venue to keep its clientèle coming back for more. I certainly intend on 'regulating' my visits because, after all, a pub that offers top-notch food, a well-stocked bar and regular entertainment as well as the friendly warmth of a thoughtfully arranged space certainly ticks all the boxes in my book...if you're in the vicinity, try The Cross Hands for yourself – for me, it's Fishponds' finest in quality fare!

And now for the male opinion...

The Boy gave The Cross Hands a rating of 9/10 and expressed his satisfaction with the following (rather random) three words; 'nacho nacho man!' Methinks he didn't think this one through...!

References:

*http://www.thecrosshandsbristol.co.uk/

'The Lounges' – Porto Lounge, Fishponds

Saturday morning saw The Boy and I stirring from slumber uncharacteristically early, somewhat intent on treating ourselves to a relaxed breakfast prior to the back-to-back bustle anticipated for the weekend ahead. A pre-caffeinated amble along Fishponds High Street led us to its resident 'Lounger' Café/Bar; Porto Lounge* which, on the morning of our visit, given that it was arguably well before the onslaught of its predominantly student-related clientèle, proved laid-back and inviting – thus, a perfect spot for coaxing The Boy and I out of our mutual sleepiness....

Date and Time: Saturday 8^th October 2011, 9:35

Name of Establishment: Porto Lounge

Location: 765 Fishponds Road, Bristol

Reason for Visit: Coz I’m easy...easy like (erm) Saturday morning! 

What I like about 'The Lounges' franchise is that despite its rather notable expansion, (with the 18^th outlet soon to be opened in Bournemouth), the chaps behind this thriving chain have managed to preserve a real sense of originality in that the distinctive 'Lounger' specification has been successfully embedded within each branch, (well certainly of those that I have graced with my presence!) Hence, their position and ambiance can be likened, in my opinion, to that of an independent establishment rather than the double-figured fleet that it actually is! Achieved, one might suggest, by a mish-mash of distressed and/or antique-looking furniture, shabby-chic wooden panelling and the hazily lit photographs of what we will fondly refer to as 'quirky older folk', (which incidentally I later learned were mostly snaps of co-owner Dave's own grandparents!), the Porto Lounge is no exception when it comes to perfectly executing an engaging and comfortable space. And, invited to lose yourself in the available literature, take advantage of the free Wi-Fi, tap your feet to a little Frank Sinatra or even challenge your pals to a board game (oh the competitive joyousness of Scrabble), there is certainly no drive towards the frantic bums-on-seats turnover that can often be the case elsewhere! Perhaps it is this 'stay-a-while' atmosphere that secures its thoughtful neighbourhood position and, albeit a contributing factor in why it’s frequently so blimmin' difficult to bag somewhere to sit, the reason that it remains a favoured watering-hole within the local community.

Back to the morning in question though and focused on the notion of the ‘most important meal of the day’, The Boy and I scanned through the delights of the ‘all-day brunch’ which had been chalked on the board to the right of the bar. Clearly not focused enough however as I was also rather taken with other aspects of the menu; the famous 'Lounger' burgers, tasty-sounding paninis, salads and an amazing Tuesday-only deal whereby three plates of tapas and a glass of the house vino amount to just £8.50. This is not to mention the Monthly specials which in this case included Royal Windsor Farm pork belly with honey, caramelised carrots and creamy mash (£9.50) and sweet chilli roast salmon with coconut rice and a pak choi and cashew salad (£9.95) – yum! Anyway I digress…and upon ordering, The Boy and I were more-than-impressed with the friendly, laid-back attitude of the staff who, we decided could have almost been hand-picked in order to fit with the ethos of the space to such an extent! Seriously though, the enthusiasm and knowledge evidenced in response to the (many) questions that The Boy and I asked of our particular server is really rather commendable.

Onto the food itself and the arrival of The Boy’s Egg and Bacon stack (£4.75) to which he also added a sausage pattie (70p). This comprised a generous helping of eggy bread which although had been prepared using white bread instead of the wholemeal that he initially requested, ticked all the boxes in terms of taste. In fact the dish overall, served with thick back bacon and slathered with maple syrup, had that love-it-or-hate-it salt verses sweet contrast which, in my opinion, both tantalises and comforts the palate. Furthermore, this could have so easily been messily presented given its gooey indulgence and yet, gently dusted with icing sugar and finished with a flourish of parsley, it was plated beautifully and thus, enjoyed visually before even a mouthful had been taken. It’s fair to say that The Boy’s ‘food porn’ did little to remedy the envy on my part upon comparison of his dish with the choconana muffin (£2.50) that I had opted for. That said, the dense chocolaty hit of this home-made classic was rich and satisfying yet, discovering that the banana content was somewhat non-existent took it away from being marginally justifiable as a breakfast food to down-right wrong! Indeed, a little disappointing (not to mention a tad on the expensive side) but consequently, I was invited to share The Boy's eggy bread – result! Overall, the menu is diverse and imaginative; it certainly hasn't been left out of the aforementioned concept of originality either as we were informed that the burgers and sausages for instance, are prepared to the same recipe throughout 'The Lounges' branches and yet the meat itself is sourced from various local butchers. As a result, The Boy and I considered the tastiness of the cuisine that we sampled as testament to the quality of the ingredients carefully sourced and utilised.

Egg and Bacon Stack

Choconana Muffin

And to wash it down, somewhat traditional breakfast-time beverages: for me, a cappuccino (£2.20) which had been well-made to my skinny-milk related preference and served in a no-nonsense mug and for The Boy, a St. Clements ‘mocktail’ (£3.00) which contained freshly-squeezed orange juice resulting in, I quote, ‘juicy refreshment’! Moreover, although this really wasn’t an occasion for the ‘hair of the dog’, I just had to remind myself of the content of the cocktail menu in which I have partaken upon previous visits. Priced at around £6 each, there is an ample selection though I’m rather partial to the Raspberry Mojito which, with the addition of Chambord (raspberry liqueur), provides a fruity twist to the classic combination of Pampero Rum, mint, fresh lime juice and crushed ice – I’ve found that evenings at Porto Lounge can be a little manic and as such, cocktail creation can constitute quite a wait; but it’s a wait worth enduring I can assure you!

Soothing Relief for Caffeine Deficiency!

St. Clements Mocktail

 In conclusion, Porto Lounge may be the smallest of ‘The Lounges’ but the website states that it is the busiest per square foot – unsurprising really as what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character. Evident from the resounding buzz from its consistently full company, this is a popular café-come-bar frequented not only by Fishponds’ ever-apparent student presence (due to the nearby UWE campuses) but also the venue of choice for working professionals and families. Since it opened its doors in 2002 it has managed a brilliant balance between facilitating a trendy hang-out and an inviting refuge in which to cosy up for an hour or two and thus, moving from strength to strength, long may it reign as the king of the cafés within the Fishponds fold.

And now for the male opinion…

The Boy gave Porto Lounge 8/10 and in three words, described his experience as 'brains behind breakfast'.

References:

* http://www.thelounges.co.uk/