Pebble guide to
Bristol

This Dutch barge offers a totally different approach to hostelling. Wake up to the sound of seagulls and a sunrise over Wapping Wharf, then eat your breakfast in the well-equipped self catering kitchen a pebble's throw from Bristol's great marine inspiration, the SS Great Britain.

A modern hotel in the heart of the city, The Bristol has cosy rooms fit for a decent night’s kip. Stop by The Juicery for vitamin-packed juices designed by nutritionist Amelia Freer. The hard work happens behind the scenes: none of the hotel's waste goes to landfill, they've cut carbon emissions to the tune of 54 acres of trees and it recycles 64% of its water (and lots more besides). It might not look super green, but it's what's inside that counts.

This airy dog-and-kid friendly cafe spills out onto Harbourside's cobbled streets offering great views of the waterfront. Sink into a sofa with a thick chocolate brownie and a flat white or Aeropress filter brew and watch the world go by.

The team behind the sweet success of Cakesmiths Bakery brings you Bakesmiths, a busy bakery and cafe turning out topped toasts and hot-pressed sandwiches. Go for great coffee, superb brunches and fresh-out-of-the-oven artisan bread. Also, there's cake. Knead we say more.

Earthcake accomplishes the (nearly) impossible: traditional cakes made deliciously vegan. Think soft Victoria sponges, luscious Black Forest gateaux, and chocolate-vanilla cakes with caramel drip. Don’t miss the vegan afternoon tea feast complete with cream and jam scones, sweet treats and finger sandwiches (booking essential).

Spicer & Cole’s minimalist decor lets the continentally-inspired food speak for itself. Step inside any of its three bright cafes for fresh sandwiches and frittatas bursting with locally and ethically sourced ingredients, plus a selection of hangover busting coffees. Grab a seat outdoors on a sunny day.

A Bristol institution, Kino is part vegan cafe, part community space. Come for handmade burgers and falafal, organic salads, sweet treats and warm drinks (chai tea latte, we’re looking at you). Afterwards, head downstairs for a candle-lit evening yoga session or to check out the ever-changing rota of music and comedy.

Foundations prides itself on nutritionally balanced, delicious food with a healthy twist. Step in to the industrial style cafe and get your energy fix with a protein packed breakfast, lunch or brunch (Greek yoghurt topped-protein waffle with chia jam? Yes please.)

Inspired by San Francisco's farm to table foodie scene, Bakers & Co slices up lunch and all-day brunch feasts from their signature rustic sourdough loaves. Come for Mexican huevos rancheros or sourdough grilled cheese, and recharge with a freshly baked cake and smooth Extract coffee.

Pinkmans bakes up an assortment of sourdough-based loaves throughout the week. Drop in first thing for just-out-of-the-oven pastries, freshly baked brekkies and loaves to take home. Sour-doughnuts happen from 10am; through the afternoon and evening it’s all about wood-fired pizzas, tagines and sharing platters.

Bristolians can get their caffeine kick all day long in this Scandi-styled cafe with high ceilings and oodles of natural light. Little Victories brews up specialty organic espresso and filter coffee alongside cakes and thickly sliced sandwiches; from Wednesday to Saturday things rev up a gear with evening coffee cocktails.

Hidden in a Victorian railway arch next to Temple Meads, Hart's artisanal bakery is a mecca for Bristol commuters. The open kitchen serves up a smorgasbord of sweet treats (OMG cinnamon buns), homemade sausage rolls and savouries, plus a changing rota of hearty sandwiches. Grab yourself a still-warm sourdough loaf on the way out.

Only Bristol could have a Mongolian yurt knocking out properly delicious breakfast, brunch and lunch overseen by The Pony & Trap's Joel Eggleton. Find it tucked behind Temple Meads station and drop in for Rarebit, field mushrooms, Severn Project leaves. Everything comes sourced from the south-west.

Part training cafe, part community kitchen, Station Kitchen serves up tasty breakfasts and lunches in a bright converted fire station. Try one of the legendary salad bowls or the filling mezze of the day, and finish it off with a locally roasted specialty coffee.

Nestled inside a fruit-laden Victorian walled garden, the Ethicurean serves up fresh, local and foraged food. Try the Cheddar & cider Welsh rarebit for lunch or go for an evening feast starting with beetroot, sumac and juniper and ending with the Ethicurean's own sticky toffee apple cake.

Poco (owned by Chef Tom Hunt) is a sustainable food darling, serving up local organic fare in a space punctuated by plants trailing down the walls. Come for the all-day brunch (try the Merguez scramble), or tuck into veggie and meaty British tapas in the evening.

Up one of Bristol's steepest hills is Beets 'n Roots, an easygoing cafe with a great sundeck where veg is the order of the day. Choose from hearty soups, raw Buddha Bowls or hot pots stuffed with colourful veg, alongside nutrient-packed smoothies.

Roll down Park Street for some of the tastiest gelato on the block. From 10am til late, Swoon churns out sorbetto, gelato and Italian coffee to Bristolians looking for a sugar fix. Choose between an array of flavours from traditional pistachio to seasonal specialities like Hot Cross Bun.

No. 1 Harbourside's friendly staff delivers tasty, well priced, slow food. An after-work favourite thanks to its central location and live music on Fridays and Saturdays, beat the crowd by popping in at lunch for a bowl of seafood chowder or a warm grill salad.

Run by a small team with a passion for sustainable agriculture, Birch serves up fresh, beautifully prepared food from Wednesday to Saturday. The dishes are as tasty as the restaurant's decor is simple: book into this tiny neighbourhood favourite for a feast of local and seasonal south-west fare.

VX dishes up American diner classics with a twist: everything’s vegan. Embrace your inner junk foodie and chow down on a menu of comfort food including mac ’n cheese, fully loaded nachos and dirty cheeseburgers. If you’ve got space, complete the experience with a sugar rush of a filled doughnut.

Part cafe/bar, part ride culture shop, Spoke & Stringer is a place to unwind from adventure mode. The surf in Bristol harbour may not be up, but this south facing dockside cafe is a great spot to chill in the sunshine for shakshuka brunch, steak sandwich lunch, or beer and evening pintxos.

The Cowshed serves up simple West Country fare throughout the day, in a relaxed setting of rustic exposed brickwork and stone tiled floors. Renowned for their Sunday roasts, the fully traceable meat - including slow braised lamb, crispy pork belly and dry aged sirloin - comes from their own butchers next door.

A stone’s throw from bustling Whiteladies Road is Bravas, a cozy, taverna style tapas bar serving delicious Spanish food with a decent selection of veggie/vegan options - the fried aubergine with molasses is outstanding. Alongside the extensive wine list, there’s a G&T bar and selection of Spanish liqueurs (hello, vermouth).

Under the leaves of a tall tree in hilly Cotham is the independent restaurant Bulrush. The dishes on the carefully curated a-la-carte and taster menus are edgy and unexpected: think Halibut and tulip; BBQ ox heart and turnip risotto. Bookings required.

The much-loved Bristolian turns locally sourced food into yummy breakfasts, tasty brunches (including a proper vegan version), brightly coloured salads and lots of cake. Go later on for a cocktail on the terrace or a cosy dinner in this living room away from home.

Root's fast become a much loved addition to the Wapping Wharf dining scene. Small plates showcase one veggie star of the show (that changes with the seasons) and there's meat on the side if you need it. Tuck into Tenderstem broccoli with ricotta, almonds and burnt honey for instance or Beetroot, hazelnut, blueberries and seaweed.

Still think vegan and veggie food isn't for you? The tiny team at Flow Bristol turn out Instagram pretty concoctions of plants that are guaranteed to change your mind. There's seasonal sharing plates, an ever evolving cocktail menu, bio and organic wine and homemade sodas. Settle down round a long wooden table and dig in.

Don’t let the more-shabby-than-chic look put you off - the Canteen serves up some of Bristol’s tastiest and most ethical grub for tiny prices. Come for hearty, flavourful seasonal dishes, a decent selection of regional ciders and beers and pay-what-you-like gigs every evening.

Bellita is a cosy bar and tapas joint which will make you forget you’re in Bristol - if only for the evening. A popular weekend hangout, come with friends for a light bite from the tapas menu and wine from a carefully curated selection from women winemakers.

Bar Buvette offers Bristolians a chance to experience some of France’s 'petit plaisirs' without having to hop to the airport. The bold wine bar features a wide selection of natural and organic wines to sip alongside French-style bar snacks from cornichons to charcuterie and cheese boards.

Get your learning on at Folk House, a creative venue that hosts part time and evening courses for adults. Dabble in the basics of pottery; learn guitar, dance or dip into meditation. There’s also a cafe dishing out tasty organic food all day.

This police station turned arts centre and venue is a hub for the alternative. The Island is home to 100 resident artists plus a gallery, dance studio, recording studios and circus training space. Drop in for a session of Fitness Pilates, Acro Yoga or Bristol Bollywood.

The Create Centre is a diverse events hub and work space for green organisations. It's also open to the public to explore environmental issues and visit regularly changing exhibits. Book in advance to visit the Ecohome, an extraordinary vision of future sustainable living open five days a week from 12-3pm.

The Square Food Foundation teaches people of all ages to cook with a range of much sought-after courses and masterclasses. From the fundamentals of cooking vegan to pastry making or springtime Italian fare, the profits are driven back in to subsidise the Foundation’s work with community groups.

Hamilton House is a community initiative with a heart, home to projects like the Community Kitchen, Bristol Bike Project and Drawn in Bristol (also Banksy's Mild, Mild West mural). It's got ample hot desking space and is HQ for a collection of independent artists and makers.

Incredible Edible Bristol is incredible indeed. It supports communities to create beautiful and productive gardens all across the city, filled with produce that is available to all to eat. Over four years they have supported over 40 gardens to spring up across the city, from the Urban Food Trail to the Bearpit, orchards, park spaces and more. For up to date info on projects, check the website.

Who said finding ethical clothing is a chore? Brothers We Stand brings together top ethical men's and women's brands in one place, then calculates the social and environmental impact of every piece of clothing. Pop into BWS's Wapping Wharf shop to browse the collection.

Ditch the plastic and BYO container to this family run wholefoods business where you can stock up on all things healthy. From superfoods and plant-based milks to beauty products and supplements, Scoopaway has over 4,000 natural and organic products to choose from and a knowledgeable team to boot.

Room 212 is a vibrant and fiercely independent art and social hub for artists and art lovers alike. Pop into the colourful artist-run shop to check out one of the themed exhibitions or browse the selection of affordably-priced prints and original pieces.

Antiform creates fashion from reclaimed materials, mixing heritage craft methods with razor sharp style. From mis-matched patterned box jumpers to Yorkshire tweed accented pencil skirts, these are bold, quirky garments, each with a story behind it. Buy online or at stockists That Thing in Stokes Croft.

Orange and Brown gives last century’s design a second life, bringing together an eclectic collection of furniture, lighting and objets d’art. From vintage metal pendant lights to edgy chairs from the Concorde lounge, you’ll find a small selection in the Hotwells store - or shop online.

Stokes Croft China takes activism to a new medium: fine-bone English china. The subversive, stylish collection of tea and tableware includes graffiti teapots and I HEART NHS mugs. If you’ve been after a mug emblazoned with ‘I EAT SWANS’ around a picture of the Queen, look no further.

Better Food source a broad range of organic and natural food, booze and beauty products across their three Bristol stores. Get freshly made food to go at one of the cafes, or, if you're at the Wapping Wharf store, unwind with an organic beer in the outdoor seating area.

Bristol’s first zero-waste shop is on a mission to change the world by ditching the packaging. Bring your own containers and stock up on cupboard staples from organic cereal to chocolate and coffee, plus a ton of health and wellbeing products.

Help strengthen the local economy and support independent business by swapping regular cash to Bristol Pounds. These intricately designed notes can be cashed in at hundreds of businesses across the city from street food outlets to hot air balloon rides - and at most of the listings on this map.

Gloucester Road's newest zero waste shopping experience is Preserve. As well as weighing out your own dry, organic, vegan friendly goods you can also pick up a range of plastic free toiletries. Think hard bar shampoos, bamboo toothbrushes and lots more. Oh, and you can make your own nut milks.

Another quirky find down at the Harbourside is this antique and vintage store and gallery. Think minimal decor with artfully arranged 20th century pieces from all over the world. An Instagrammable, calm respite from bustling Bristol (only open on Thursdays).

Another feather in North Street's cap is Casper, a shop come gallery come collective showcasing Bristol's artists' work. Call in for homewares, prints, lighting, ceramics, furniture and photography. You can also drop empty plant pots off here to be recycled through Little Green Bristol.

Find work from some of Bristol's most in demand designers and artists at this cute store on North Street. From art prints from Softlad, macrame plant holders from SK Knits to organic beauty products from Bella Rock, if you're after a present or want to take something home from Bristol, you won't leave here empty-handed.

Wild Oats Natural Foods has been serving Bristol with ethical, Fairtrade, organic and vegan food for years. There's a fab deli, more vitamins and supplements you can shake a protein shaker at and all the latest superfoods.

Don't miss Harvest in amongst the other indie shops on Gloucester Road. This vegetarian co-operative is all about sharing and loving ethical and Fairtrade food. Drop in for delicious raw, vegan cakes and treats.

Grow is a smart urban farming initiative on a mission to give Bristolians access to fresh, local and sustainable food throughout the year. Grow produces hydroponic herbs and veggies in unconventional places around the city. Think: delicate micro-coriander, citrusy sunflower shoots and iron-packed micro leek.

Get up close and personal with wildlife at the WWT’s Slimbridge Wetland Centre, a half hour’s train ride and taxi hop away from Bristol. Spy on wildlife from a hide, witness ridiculously adorable otters eating their supper or take a canoe paddle along the safari wetland trail.

Once an inner city wasteland, Windmill Hill City Farm is now an oasis of gardens. The farm animal residents include cheeky pygmy goats, Gloucester Old Spot pigs and busy Indian Runner ducks. There’s also a farm cafe that serves homemade sausage rolls, salads and pastries made from ingredients grown on the farm.

YoBike is a shared cycling initiative helping travel weary Bristolians and visitors alike get around the city on two wheels. Choose from 30 minutes of ride time for £1, or a £5 day pass for longer rides and sightseeing journeys. Download the app to find your nearest YoBike wherever you are in town.

A stone’s throw from Temple Meads station is the Severn Project, an urban farm helping people with barriers get back into work. Choose from a selection of leafy salads, herbs and edible flowers at www.fresh-range.com or drop into the Whitchurch Farm branch.

The leafy oasis of St Werburghs City Farm is home to a friendly menagerie of farm animals with some big personalities - we’re looking at you, goats. The hobbit-esque farm cafe serves up tasty, home grown organic food six days a week in a treehouse-like setting.

Head to this six acre plot where Feed Bristol will inspire you to grow your own, encourage wildlife and manage whatever size of land you're lucky enough to have. There's a wildflower nursery too.

Just the loveliest way to get between these two cities. A disused railway line stretches 13 miles, cycle away from the roads, through the trees and next to some stonking sculptures. It's a wildlife corridor, peaceful escape and proof that cycling is the most calming way to travel. It starts behind Temple Meads station.

You don't need to leave Bristol to find some nature. Narroways hill near St Werburghs is a fab green space with views over the city. Once covered in railway tracks, now it's home to butterflies and bats, wildlife and wildflower meadows.

Just a 15 minute bike ride from the city centre is this historic stately home and park. There's been a deer park here for 600 years but now there's also mountain bike courses and orienteering or you can try your hand at disc golf. Head up here for a picnic, for a run, to walk amongst the trees or for awesome views over Bristol. Or cycle the Ashton Court Loop, a 6.6 mile path that takes you from Queens Square through the estate and back into town.

Specialising in beers with flavours as diverse as Bedminster's street art, BBF runs brewery tours on the last Tuesday of the month so you can see where the magic happens and sample the goods, too.

Wiper and True brews up artisan beer for Bristol’s beer lovers in their St Werburghs brewery. Visit the Tasting Table & Bottle Shop on a Saturday afternoon to sample the goods, or book a brewery tour to see just how that Imperial Milk Stout reaches 9.5%.

Psychopomp produces a medley of small batch craft gins in handmade copper stills, plus a rotating collection of spirits (hello, absinthe). Drop in for a gin cocktail, book a DYO (distil your own) gin session on a Saturday or a come for a distillery tour Tuesday to Thursday.

Tiffin Time delivers home cooked meaty and veggie tiffins straight to your office door, by bike. Or pop into the shop between 11.45am-3pm for a takeaway tiffin feast to keep you powered up through the day. Vegan options are usually available but check first.