We visit the new Bristol cafe serving healthy smoothies and indulgent hot chocolate

Restore has opened the doors of its fourth cafe at sustainable co-working hub, Future Leap, on Gloucester Road.

The cafe chain is proudly independent and aims to minimise its environmental footprint, from the use of locally sourced ingredients to compostable and biodegradable packaging. It also places a strong emphasis on supporting local communities and businesses.

The menu at the new Gloucester Road Restore cafe includes a selection of toasties made with Hobbs House sourdough bread such as bacon and Brie (using Ruby and White streaky bacon) and the vegetarian halloumi toasties (halloumi, roasted peppers, artichoke, pesto, hummus and spinach).

There’s also a counter of pastries, speciality drinks like matcha latte, pumpkin spiced latte, peppermint hot chocolate and orange hot chocolate, coffees, teas, smoothies and shakes.

We decided to pay Restore a visit on a Tuesday lunchtime and it was relatively busy. There was a fridge with cold sandwiches and drinks near the entrance and a selection of cakes by the till. 

They also had seating inside including small two-seat tables facing outside, which make a lovely spot to enjoy the sunlight with your drink or meal on a sunny day.

I ordered a healthy green smoothie (kale, pineapple and ginger) for £4.80, a mushroom toastie (herby mushroom, lime-smashed peas, red pesto and sun-dried tomato) for £6.25 and treated myself to a banana chocolate slice from the counter for £3.80.

The smoothie was ready within a minute or so of ordering and the toastie arrived within five minutes.

The toastie was very warm, the bread was crispy and the peas made for a creamy spread. A variety of mushrooms were used and each bite left a lingering citrussy taste.

As for the smoothie, it was refreshing and smooth and not very thick. The ginger was noticeable and the spice lingered. The ginger slowly sinks to the bottom, so the last part has a stronger spicy kick.

The banana chocolate slice was soft and smooth with a chewy caramel-like topping. It was filling, fruity and rich in flavour.

Overall, it was a very enjoyable meal, well-priced and the service was fast and friendly.

The cafe is open seven days a week, Monday to Saturday from 8am to 5pm and Sunday from 9am to 4pm.

Restore at Future Leap, 1 Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8AA.