Two Bristol restaurants make it into the UK Top 100

Two Bristol restaurants have made it into the Top 100 Best UK Restaurants diners’ poll.

Bulrush and Wilson’s both appear in the prestigious annual list from Harden’s.

The 33rd edition of the Harden's guide is published this week and it is one of only two surviving established UK restaurant guides made available in print, and the only one based on feedback from ‘normal’ diners rather than a group of professional inspectors. 

A total of 30,000 reports are submitted from a survey of 2,500 diners. Restaurants at all price levels are included: from street food vendors to the country’s most ambitious dining rooms, with 2,800 restaurants listed in total. 

Bristol was also named third city with most Top 500 listings outside of London. Bristol is one of only three cities outside of London to have more than one Top 100 listing. 

Bulrush in Cotham is number 71 in the Top 100 and “unreservedly commended” for the staff (“clearly proud of the food”) to the “no-nonsense atmosphere” and the “brilliant tasting menu at a fair price”. 

Meanwhile Wilson’s in Redland is number 89 in the list. The modern bistro from Jan Ostle and Mary Wilson is described as “always excellent, ethically unquestionable”. 

Peter Harden of Harden’s said: “The South-West is tough to beat with such a wealth of fresh produce from land and sea right on its doorstep. Chefs in this region are experts at harnessing all the natural, seasonal bounty the area has to offer to great effect. 

"We noticed this year that London is losing its grip on the Top 100, with the capital’s dominance being the weakest the guide has ever recorded. However, the challengers aren’t based in other big cities but in the growth of touristic and destination dining, a move for which the South-West is particularly well placed to take full advantage.”