Turtle Bay, Bristol: This award-winning restaurant’s new Caribbean Christmas menu is a tropical escape from the cold

Recently awarded a blue ribbon by the Good Food Awards, the restaurant has just launched its Christmas menu, which we couldn’t resist.

The menu (£26 for two courses or £31 for three) includes a free Island Escape cocktail on arrival. This delightful drink, featuring Wray & Nephew overproof rum, Woods Navy rum, falernum, triple sec, cinnamon, lime, guava, and orange, was a tropical escape from the rainy Bristol streets.

The Caribbean vibes continue in this bustling spot on Broad Quay. Starters include garlic pit prawns, jerk wings and crispy chilli squid - my choice.

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With the restaurant relatively quiet at 5pm, I took in the surroundings. Visit later or on a weekend, and you’ll find it packed, with many enjoying cocktail deals before heading out.

After a short wait, my squid arrived, marinated, crumbed, and crisped, accompanied by mango mole and mild jerk mayo. The generous portion was delightfully crispy, and the mayo elevated the dish.

For mains, there’s jerk chicken, lamb or salmon, but I opted for the curry goat, described as ‘one of the most iconic dishes across the island’. There are also veggie and vegan options available.

My dish featured goat marinated in aromatic spices and scotch bonnet, served with coconut rice and peas. Again, the portion was generous, with the bowl brimming with food. The spices offered a lovely kick, and while the meat was a bit chewy, the juices paired beautifully with the rice.

After such a filling main, I sadly had no room for dessert, which includes ginger pudding, brownie and cheesecake.

Turtle Bay’s Christmas menu is a refreshing, tropical twist on the usual festive fare, offering an exciting alternative to the typical options found in many city restaurants at this time of year.

Turtle Bay, 8 Broad Quay, Bristol BS1 4DA