Wapping Wharf, Bristol – Review

For the last couple of years, a new development has been going strength to strength on the harbour side of Bristol. The Cargo at Wapping Wharf is a collection of restaurants, producers, shops and lifestyle ventures housed in shipping containers to reflect the history of the harbour.

There is a fantastic selection of restaurants and food shops, that I just love trying out and heading to have a drink with friends. I’ve eaten at most of the containers at Cargo, but the brilliant news is that they keep adding new places for me to try! Must admit there are some places still on my wish list to eat at, such as Box-E (happened to be voted one of the best restaurants in the UK at the moment), Tare (a delightfully meaty tasting menu offering) and Roots (vegetable-focused menu by Josh Eggleton of The Pony and Trap fame). But a girl can dream that I will dine there one day.

In the meantime, I’ve done a round up of the places I have eaten at Cargo already and why you should head down there immediately for great food.

Oliver’s Ice Cream Parlour

You need to visit Oliver’s for their crazy spinning ice cream cabinet. Specially made in Italy (and they know how to show off their ice creams and gelatos!) You will find some innovative ice creams and sorbet flavours like Thatcher’s Cider sorbet, Dolce Latte, Cafe Crema, Italian Custard. Grab yourself a cone for a post-dinner treat whilst you take a stroll.

Athenian

Pillow-like pita, stuffed to the brim with marinated and charred halloumi and chicken, with lashings of garlicky aubergine and cooling yoghurt. Oregano sprinkled fries. What’s not to like at this Greek pad who’s no stranger to a shipping container, having a second restaurant at Boxpark in London.  Great for a feast at lunch or a flavoursome chilled dinner.

Cargo Cantina

Bristol has been needing an authentic Mexican restaurant for a while and so pleased that Cargo Cantina doesn’t disappoint. Mixing up a wicked margarita to be paired with their fiery salsa’s with nachos or even with the Tongue ‘n’ Cheek taco, braised tender ox cheek and tongue, wrapped in a soft blue corn tortilla.

Woky Ko

Larkin Cen who was runner-up on Masterchef has set up his first venture inspired by his heritage (his family ran a Chinese takeaway and Hong Kong’s fast pace food culture). Try their lighter than air bao buns with fillings of fried aubergine, chicken and pork are the stuff of dreams. As well as their fresh Green curry and small plates to enjoy. But if you want a naughty treat, how about their Deep Fried Bao with coconut ice cream with salted caramel sauce, you may want to order two at once as one won’t be enough!

Little Victories

I love this coffee hot spot, look up to see the clouds. Either for a coffee and cake stop (try the super gooey cinnamon roll slice), stacked sandwiches for lunch or for an Espresso Martini or Rum Hot Chocolate for a chilled Friday drink with friends. They do cheese and meat boards too, to nibble on whilst you sip on your cocktails.

Squeezed

A relatively new addition to the Cargo family is Squeezed. Serving up some ridiculously tasty burgers and fresh lemonades. The burger patties were shaped to order and my word they are good. Oozing with sauces and cheese, rich meaty flavour, hands down one of the best burgers in Bristol. Of course, you also have fresh lemonade to wash it down with, with innovative flavours like Watermelon and Thyme, and Raspberry and Vanilla.

The Bristol Cheesemonger

Amongst these great restaurants, is an equally fabulous and wonderful foodie spot that you can’t miss. Seriously, you won’t want to miss this. The lovely Rosie is imparting her cheesy wisdom to sell a selection of delicious West Country cheeses to the good people visiting Cargo. Super patient and happy to talk (and taste) the various cheeses needed to create your perfect cheeseboard or even the most pimped grilled cheese sandwich you’ll ever have. An absolute must visit.

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