265665 Tue Mar 15 18:17:01 -0800 2005 5 26 International 0 1402075 I am going to be in England's west country next week. Out of touch with the local food scene there. Coming from San Francisco where everyone is into local produce. Any great recommendations for restaurants in the area, particularly ones, that focus on sourcing local organic products, rather than ones that are hoity toity la-de-dah? Bristol is best but happy to travel a little into the Gloucestershire countryside, or towards Bath. Bath would be fine, just not interested in chi-chi, posh and grand. Did Thornbury Castle last time. Looking for something a little less French and a little more English this time. Also any recs for good lunch, English breakfast, coffee or brunch appreciated. Plan on hitting the Farmers Market and Cheddar too. thanks Sam Tue Mar 15 18:17:01 -0800 2005 0 Sixy Beast 1 1402084 I am from SF as well. In March, 2003, we met friends of ours (who live in Wales) for a Sunday lunch in the dining at the Hotel de Vin in Bristol. I thought the food was quite good and the wine list was extensive & reasonably priced. I imagine you might be able to better, but I am certain you could do a whole lot worse. Tue Mar 15 20:26:18 -0800 2005 1402075 0 DavidT 2 1402095 I second the Hotel du Vin; decent cooking, fair pricing, good wine list. Not stellar, but there are a lot worse out there. Pirate Wed Mar 16 07:31:20 -0800 2005 1402084 0 Pirate 3 1402113 I'd second the Hotel du Vin - stayed there on several business trips (great rooms) and eaten there as well. One word of caution - it might be prudent to reserve - they can get real busy (I speak from experience). Some history - they were an independent chain - recently they were sold to another niche hotel chain (Malmaison). I've not stayed there or eaten there since this. As another suggestion - you could do worse than "Quartier Vert" on Whiteladies Road. Great food and good wine (though not in the same league as HdV). http://www.quartiervert.co.uk/ Loads of other places in and around the city. When visiting for business (I don't live there) I usually check out the following site - gives a good view of what's on offer. It also covers Bath as well.... http://www.venue.co.uk/eow/eow_home.html Enjoy... Wed Mar 16 13:25:22 -0800 2005 1402095 0 gribble 4 1402135 thanks everyone - although its my home town, I haven't lived there for 20 years so I am out of touch. My parents still live there but they are not so into eating out. Plan on hitting the famers market and going to Cheddar. dream of finding a ploughmans in a cute little country pub. I'll report back here if I find anything good! Sam Wed Mar 16 22:34:59 -0800 2005 1402113 0 Sixy Beast 5 1402142 I've had many fine meals at Hotel du Vin BUT the best place to grab a bite in Bristol is RiverStation. Not only do they have a lovely view of the water, but the food is fresh, local and always fantastic. It's modern, light and airy (Hotel du Vin can be a little dark). http://www.riverstation.co.uk/ Thu Mar 17 02:35:44 -0800 2005 1402135 0 Edie