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Dorchester Center, MA 02124

Discover Bristol’s best independent food and drink spots on a 3-hour guided tour, sampling hearty dishes, tasty drinks, and local stories in the Old City.

The Bristol Old City Food & Drink Tour offers a compelling taste of the city’s vibrant culinary scene in just about 3 hours. For $95.73 per person, this guided experience takes visitors through 6 to 7 stops, revealing Bristol’s top independent eateries known for their sustainable and ethical approaches to food and drink. The tour is designed for those eager to enjoy hearty bites and delectable beverages while soaking up stories about the city’s fascinating history and culture.
This tour is especially recommended for anyone who enjoys local flavors, engaging guides, and discovering hidden spots that often go unnoticed without a guide. With a maximum group size of 10, the experience remains intimate and personalized. Advance booking is typical, with most people reserving their spot around 64 days ahead, ensuring you get a chance to explore Bristol’s best without last-minute rush.

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The tour begins at the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel on College Green at 2:30 pm. This centrally located meeting point makes it easy to access via public transportation. After the culinary exploration, the tour wraps up at 13 Brewhouse in Redcliffe. This convenient ending spot allows for easy continuation of your Bristol adventure or a relaxed evening in the city.

This tour emphasizes local independence and sustainability, highlighting Bristol’s thriving ethical food scene. Each venue has a story to tell, and the guides actively share insights into the why and how behind each venue’s approach to food and drink. Participants get to sample a variety of hearty dishes, including burgers, bhajis, and sweet treats like cake, alongside delectable drinks such as coffee, juice, and cocktails.
The tour’s focus on small, well-curated stops offers a more personal experience. Guests can expect pass-by nibbles at some venues and sit-down tastings at others. This mix keeps the pace lively and ensures plenty of opportunities to chat with guides and learn about Bristol’s food culture.
Each stop on the tour showcases a different Bristol independent, selected for their commitment to quality and ethics. As the guides explain, these venues prioritize sustainable sourcing and support local producers. Whether visiting a well-known Bristol institution or a lesser-known gem, the emphasis remains on authenticity and community impact.
The stops are carefully chosen to highlight Bristol’s diverse culinary influences, from traditional hearty fare to innovative drinks. This mix makes the tour particularly appealing for those who enjoy both classic and contemporary Bristol flavors.

Guests consistently praise Florence and Stephanie for their enthusiasm and knowledge. They make the history of Bristol come alive as they lead the group through the city. Their storytelling style helps connect the culinary stops to the broader history and culture of the city, enriching the tasting experience.
The guides are also attentive and approachable, creating a friendly atmosphere that encourages questions and interaction. Their local insights often reveal hidden corners and lesser-known stories behind each venue.
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The tour features 6 to 7 stops, each offering a delicious sample of Bristol’s independent food and drink scene:
Some stops offer a pass-by nibble, allowing guests to sample without long breaks, while others allow for sit-down tastings, providing a chance to relax and chat. The focus remains on quality, ethics, and local character at every venue.

The tour is designed to be accessible to most travelers, with a maximum of 10 participants that ensures an intimate experience. The starting point at College Green is close to public transportation, making it easy to reach without a car. The overall pace is suitable for most physical abilities, with no specific requirements noted.

For $95.73, guests receive ample food and drink, enough to feel full by the end. The guided storytelling adds extra value, providing context about Bristol’s history and culinary scene. The inclusion of sustainable and ethical venues means the experience aligns with modern values of responsible dining.
While additional drinks can be purchased at individual stops, the included drinks and food offer a comprehensive tasting for the price. The small group size enhances the personal feel and allows guides to customize their stories.
This tour benefits from a free cancellation policy, allowing cancellation up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. Weather considerations are also addressed, with the option to reschedule or receive a full refund if the tour is canceled due to poor weather. The limited group size and most travelers suitability make it a flexible, risk-free choice.
This experience is ideal for food lovers who want to explore Bristol’s independent scene in a relaxed setting. It suits those interested in ethical and sustainable practices and local stories. The timing in the afternoon makes it a perfect activity for a leisurely day, whether you’re new to Bristol or a seasoned visitor wanting an insider’s view.
This tour offers a well-rounded, engaging introduction to Bristol’s culinary diversity and local culture. The knowledgeable guides make the experience informative and fun, while the sampling of hearty foods and drinks ensures satisfaction. The focus on ethical venues and local independence adds a meaningful dimension that resonates with conscious travelers.
While the group size and timing are suitable for most, those expecting a very leisurely pace or specific dietary accommodations should check in advance. This tour is a strong choice for anyone wanting to taste the best of Bristol’s independent food scene in just a few hours.
“Very fun tour! Florence and Stephanie were great guides. Loved seeing places we wouldnt have explored on our own. Meeting place was a little hard …”
How long is the Bristol Old City Food & Drink Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.
What is included in the price?
Guests enjoy enough hearty food and alcoholic beverages such as coffee, juice, and cocktails.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel on College Green and ends at 13 Brewhouse in Redcliffe.
Are there any restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The group size is limited to 10 people.
Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.
Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
The data does not specify dietary accommodations, so it’s best to check directly with the provider.
Are drinks included?
Yes, a variety of drinks are included in the sampling, but additional drinks at restaurants are not included.
What makes this tour stand out?
Its focus on local independents, sustainable practices, and knowledgeable guides makes it a memorable way to explore Bristol’s culinary scene.
How do I book this tour?
Booking is recommended about 64 days in advance, and tickets are available through the provider Good: Stories in Food.
Is there any specific clothing or physical requirement?
There are no specific requirements, but comfortable walking shoes are advisable for the stops and walking between venues.