Harden's survey result
Summary
“Unique” Clifton institution, where diners overlook swimmers in the restored 1850 pool below, while feasting on “consistently excellent dishes (often wood-fired), from a vibrant and frequently changing menu” – and the two activities can be combined in a ‘Swim and Eat’ package, with “great healthy options for those that want ’em” (there is also a spa and five newly opened bedrooms in a townhouse across the road). “This continues to be a favourite Bath/Bristol restaurant for a great meal almost 17 years after it opened – the atmosphere is quite literally exceptional”, while the Mediterranean-inspired food is “startlingly brilliant at these prices”. Top Menu Tip – “some fantastic inexpensive wines: try their Greek white!”.
Summary
“As quirky as ever” – this “imaginative tapas” restaurant occupies the upper floor of a restored and operational mid-Victorian swimming baths in Clifton, so diners have “unique views of the swimmers below, making an interesting change from the standard restaurant experience” – “in summer, life here feels a little Mediterranean”. Top Tip – the £50 all-in swim, spa and eat packages.
Summary
It’s “slightly surreal watching swimmers while eating a selection of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern tapas” at this restored Grade II-listed mid-Victorian swimming pool in Clifton, which offers a “warm welcome and some very accommodating touches”. “Great breakfasts and small plates” are available poolside and fuller meals served upstairs, with windows overlooking the pool. “Overall it’s pleasant but not perhaps memorable”.
Summary
“A hidden gem” “in the heart of Bristol's university quarter” – this “balcony restaurant overlooks a secluded mid-Victorian lido”, now restored and once again full of swimmers. It’s a “well-designed, light-filled space with large windows”, and a “menu that offers imaginative combinations, including vegetarian options”. There was also the odd critical report this year, saying that standards had “deteriorated” of late, but even that said “the tapas served downstairs are still OK” (in the separate café area).
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Lido?
Oakfield Place, Bristol, BS8 2BJ
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £55.00 |  |
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| Dinner | £55.00 | |
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £12.00 | £25.50 | £0.00 | £9.50 |
| Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
Oakfield Place, Bristol, BS8 2BJ
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑5 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
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