We enjoy a lovely meal at one of Bristol's newest art cafes and return for a yoga session
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Nestled on Canford Lane in Westbury on Trym, Goldfinch Create and Play only opened last September but has been popular among the community since its opening.
The purpose-built, carbon-neutral art café was launched after owner Nicole encountered a lack of "well-designed space where parents feel as comfortable as the children do, and kids can get creative, and adults can drink a good cup of coffee and have some healthy snacks."
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Hide AdThe menu started with simple breakfast options and pastries and has since recently evolved to include seasonal salad bowls and paninis following customer feedback.
We visited the café during our lunch break and were pleasantly surprised by the relaxing atmosphere and that it wasn't too loud despite most of the tables being taken by families with young children in the small café.
A delicious-looking selection of cakes, most sourced from local bakers, was on display next to the till as well as the drinks and special menu displayed on chalkboards on the wall next to the till.
On the opposite end of the room, there was a small play area for children ages 0 to 3 which featured a magnet wall, soft play and a small tunnel/open cave area.
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Hide AdThe menu includes options for children like lunch boxes featuring a cheese sandwich/toastie or carrots and hummus, a snack scoop and babyccino for £4.75. There are also vegan options like the Goji Berry Granola (£3.95) and the Hummus & Sundried Tomato Panini (£7).
I opted for a Hummus & Sundried Tomato Panini and a refreshing green smoothie made of spinach, mint, pear, ginger, cucumber and apple juice (£5.10) which arrived within ten to 15 minutes.
The smoothie was sweet, smooth and thick and the perfect choice for a nice, warm day.
As for the panini, it was very warm and had a great presentation. The outside of the bread was crunchy and contrasted well with the soft, creamy hummus at the centre of the panini, and the tomatoes provided a slightly sour aftertaste. The side rocket salad had a sweet balsamic sauce with a slight sour tinge.
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Hide AdOverall, the panini and smoothie paired very well. Having eyed the homemade cakes, I couldn't resist ordering a Tahini biscuit (their most popular option) and a Peanut Butter Ball for takeaway.
The biscuit, which is supplied by Bosh Kitchens, had a slightly crunchy exterior and a soft crumbly middle. It was slightly salty, with an earthy aftertaste.
As for the Peanut Butter Ball, which is made within the premises, it was very soft, nutty, dense and crunchy with a strong peanut butter taste.
Overall, it was a very filling meal and the service was fast and friendly.
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Hide AdGoldfinch also hosts art and yoga sessions for all ages on their top floor so I decided to return in the evening for their energising vinyasa yoga class.
I was a bit uneasy since I had found yoga sessions a bit stressful during sessions at school, however, my anxieties were quickly blown away by Chrissie's yoga session.
The lesson emphasised the importance of remembering to breathe and not being caught up if you struggle with any of the poses.
Overall, the session was easy to follow for a beginner with some alternative poses suggested if you struggle. It was a very relaxing experience and would happily return if it wasn't as far from the area I live in.
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Hide AdFor more information on Goldfinch Create and Play and their timetable visit https://www.goldfinchcreateandplay.com
Goldfinch Create and Play, 10 Canford Lane, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 3DH. Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, Saturday from 9am to 4pm and Sunday from 10am to 2pm.
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