The culinary landscape in Bristol is set to witness a remarkable transformation as The Granary, a new all-day dining restaurant, opens its doors in one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The Granary is not just a restaurant; it's a celebration of history, architecture, and modern British cuisine that champions sustainability, seasonality, provenance and locally sourced ingredients.
The story of The Granary begins with a building that stands as one of the finest examples of the Bristol Byzantine style, designed by architects Archibald Ponton and William Venn Gough. This architectural marvel was originally built in 1869 as a grain store, serving a critical role in the city's history. Later, from 1969 to 1988, it morphed into the cherished Granary Club, Bristol’s much loved musical venue, with musical legends such as Eric Clapton, Black Sabbath, Dire Straits, Genesis, Thin Lizzie, Def Leppard, Billy Idol, ACDC, Queen, Sex Pistols, gracing its stage.
Today, this historic venue is reborn as The Granary, an all-day dining restaurant that pays homage to its past while embracing the present which seamlessly bridges history and innovation offering a modern British menu that revolves around seasonal and sustainable ingredients with flavours inspired by the Byzantine trade routes. It's a place where the elegance of architecture, the art of cooking, and the warmth of human connections converge to create a unique and inviting experience.
The Granary’s culinary team is led by Charlie James, previously of Jamaica Street Stores, supported by head chef Cai Sherman, formerly from The Christmas Steps. General Manager Zack Sheppard adds the finishing touch to the dream team, ensuring that the food & beverage is brought alive with a soulful service ethos that strives to deliver delightful experiences.
Whether it's breakfast with freshly baked milk buns, hearty steak & eggs or small plates & seasonal mains cooked over the open fire, the goal is simple: each bite should envelop you in a comforting embrace that bring a smile to your face.
Small plates include tempting offerings such as white fish tempura, blackened courgette, fava bean hummus served with raw vegetables on ice, or gluten free cider-brined chicken tossed in brown sugar buffalo sauce and Bath blue cheese.
For those seeking heartier options, choice cuts of lamb cooked over fire like Lamb Kofta with Westcountry yoghurt and coriander chutney, slow roasted lamb shoulder, or two- point rack. Other highlights include XXL tiger Prawns with roasted shell butter, and slow cooked aubergine with makhani dahl. A range of vibrant sides complements mains from fresh tabbouleh, shredded cos with garlic & anchovy dressing to blackened cabbage with garlic and fennel seed butter.
At The Granary, there's a strong commitment to supporting local independent suppliers. Rare variety grains are sourced from Shipton Mill, Day boat fish delivered daily from Wing of St Mawes. Meat procured from Story Farms which uses regenerative & wildlife friendly farming practises. Vegetables come from Degusta, and milk is supplied by Bruton Dairy, making every dish a celebration of the local regional bounty.
Seasonal and sustainable flow’s through into our bar menu offering a selection of Bristol’s finest beverage producers including Wogan Coffee, Lost and Grounded Brewery, Branch cider, spirits from Bristol Distilling Company and the award-winning vineyard Woodchester Valley.
The interior design led by Puja Chadha, has aimed to create a seamless fusion of history and contemporary creativity. A colour palette of soft tones to complement the Byzantine exterior of the building brings serenity to the space. Repurposing a 100-year-old butcher's block, transformed into a kitchen table, pays homage to the site's past. Collaborations with local craftspeople, a core group of artisans & women-led businesses, brings Bristol's artistic soul to life, with unique murals, hand painted tiles, art pieces, fabrics and weaves adorning the space. A strong upcycling approach not only honours history but creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere, beautifully juxtaposing heritage and innovation.
Another exciting development in the journey is the re-opening of “The Granary Club”, a cocktail bar and live entertainment space that will honour its original legacy. This promises to be a place for Bristolians to relive old memories and make new ones.
The Granary is the sister restaurant to Harbour House, championing seasonal & sustainable seafood which launched in July 2020 earning the prestigious title of "Best Bar in Bristol" and being listed in 2023 Michelin guide. Restauranteur Sumit Chadha said, “we as a team are really proud of bringing back The Granary a much- loved institution onto the Bristol food scene and are excited for what the future holds.”
The Granary is not just a restaurant; it's a celebration of Bristol's history and a testament to the culinary arts, poised to become a cornerstone of the city's vibrant culinary landscape. Whether you're seeking a relaxed breakfast, a soulful lunch, a memorable dinner or late nights drinks, The Granary promises a dining experience that bridges history and innovation, and where the comforts of good food and great company reigns supreme.
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