Weekend in Bristol

by Bex

So, as I mentioned yesterday, we enjoyed some fantastic R&R staying with Nik's uncles (and their gorgeous daschund, Otto) in Bristol for Nik's interview last weekend.  We sipped Champagne while snacking on lovely arrow root crisps Uncle S brought back from Kenya...

Ate delicious seafood pasta created by Uncle T (he's one of those amazing people who can just whip up restaurant style, simple but delicious food at home!)...

And a cheeky roulade for pud...

Followed by coffee and chocolate while sat by the cosy fire in their gorgeous sitting room...

I think they might be the most stylish people I know!
(Loving the Versace cups)

During Nik's interview on Friday morning, I wandered the streets of Bristol in some awful weather, spotted a Banksy (sadly vandalised with blue paint) and some gorgeous mugs in a wee shop...

I'm tempted to order the dragonfly one online!

It was a bit too cold & windy though so I had to stop to 'recuperate' with some tasty bites and a latte in Source (as recommended by Katy)...

Salted caramel & cherry dark chocolate brownie (x2 they looked SO good) and a bakewell slice

I then did some more exploring sheltered from the wind & rain in the very interesting St Nicholas market.
Until Nik called and we met up for some post-interview celebratory drinks and a late lunch at Graze (another fab recommendation from Katy - review to follow soon!)

Then more delicious seafood made by Uncle T at home (which we tried to recreate tonight and almost managed to make it taste as good as his!)...

And we munched on the last of my heart apple & cheese pies from baking club which I took down with me...

On Saturday, after a lovely morning with cheese & toast and mangoes for breakfast (and morning cuddles from Otto) we explored more of Bristol as we all went for a walk around Clifton village, stopping at the Lido for a coffee and pasteis de nata...

I actually indulged in an Amaretto & sea salt hot chocolate!  It sounded too good to resist and was pretty amazing!

Otto joined us in his little bag which he seriously loves, he couldn't wait to jump in it!  But he did walk as well when it wasn't too wet & windy and we weren't in cafes/shops.

They took us to their favourite gallery where we fell in love with a particular artist - Elaine Jones.

And the gallery owner let me take a photo as we were particularly in love with this painting below and are seriously considering investing once we move house (if it's still available!)...

You can see more of her work that I have pinned on my Art & Photography board.

After some Otto based fun (he really loves his ball) in the park where we got a great view of the Clifton suspension bridge, we walked back home through the village and via a beautiful cemetery in gorgeous light...

Then it was time for a late lunch of another of Uncle T's amazing seafood pasta dishes then we had time to chill for a bit (I had a lovely long nap) before sipping more fizz (why not, we were on holiday!) and getting our gladrags on for dinner at Harvey Nics later on that evening!  (Review also to follow soon.)

Wearing my tie dress by Enienay

On Sunday we went to Bath and were really lucky with gorgeous sunny weather while we explored the interesting streets and buildings but I think that will have to wait for another post too (because I haven't downloaded all the pics yet)!

As you can tell, it was a jam packed three days away but we still felt relaxed and also managed to get some much needed good quality sleep in our super comfy bed there.  Just what the doctor ordered!  ;)