riverstation - Bristol Restaurant Reviews

Harden's survey result

2019
2018
2017

Summary

“A lovely harbourside location” with “good views across the old docks” is key to the appeal of this striking looking building: a former river police station. Following an extensive refit by newish owners Young’s in summer 2018, there’s now a huge outdoor terrace called the Pontoon. You can eat “reliable” pub classics there, with fancier fare upstairs in the restaurant (which has its own balcony).

Price

£54

££

Food

Average

Service

Average

Ambience

Good

* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

Summary

“Often overlooked as it has been here a while, and so isn’t part of the über-trendy new Bristol foodie scene” – this striking-looking dockside feature (with downstairs bar and upstairs restaurant) was taken over by Young’s in late 2016. The food is generally well-rated – the worst criticism of it, is that it can be a bit “meh” – and some of the decor “is looking a bit shabby” but it’s a “buzzy” haunt, with a “delightful summer terrace”, and “you can’t go wrong here if you can get a table overlooking the floating harbour”.

Price

£54

££

Food

Average

Service

Average

Ambience

Very Good

* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

Summary

This striking-looking dockside landmark – a former river-police station – achieved solid feedback this year. Its most ardent fans say that it has been “constantly over-performing for over 20 years”, but the general verdict is that it’s more of a “good standby” for “perfectly acceptable and good value” food. Top tip? – “a table on the terrace overlooking the river is a delight on a warm day”.

Price

£50

££

Food

Good

Service

Good

Ambience

Exceptional

* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

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