After finishing my delicious burger, I decided to soak up the last bits of the harbour festival before heading back to the hotel for some pool time before dinner. The atmosphere was incredible, and my mood was sky-high.
Someone had mentioned one of Banksy’s famous artworks that I hadn’t seen yet, so I knew exactly what to do next!
As I walked around, I realized I had ventured into a different part of the city. The area had a bit of an edgy vibe—not dangerous, but brimming with creativity. Artists seemed to have turned the place into their canvas, with eye-catching murals everywhere. Local businesses were part of this artistic vibe too—you might find a phone shop with painted app logos or a paint store with vibrant graffiti. The art here feels like a real part of the community, offering a refreshing perspective compared to big cities like London. One mural, with minions from Pulp Fiction, had me in stitches.
After snapping photo after photo, I found the Banksy piece I was searching for—“The Mild Mild West.” Seeing Banksy’s first large wall mural was a thrilling moment for me, especially since I’ve had a book of his work for ages.
With my art hunt complete, I figured it was time for a pint at a quirky local pub. At first, I didn’t realize it was a pub until I spotted the beer garden. This random spot fit perfectly into the area, and enjoying a drink outdoors felt like the essence of a British summer evening. Though tempted to stay longer, I had promised myself a hotel pool visit and a dinner reservation, so I reluctantly headed back.
The pool, sauna, and steam room were just what I needed. After an hour and a half of relaxation, I made it to the restaurant just in time for dinner.
Let me say right away—this restaurant, Aquila, is fantastic! The food was impeccable, and the service stood out for being attentive and friendly without ever being intrusive.
Now, let’s talk about the delicious meal. To start, I had some of the best olives ever, complete with pips but so fresh and chunky. They paired wonderfully with the prosecco. The staff also brought a tomato and pesto taster, which was a lovely touch. My starters included mozzarella garlic bread, calamari, and antipasto—all enjoyed in mere seconds.
For the main course, I chose pork belly with mash and chicken pesto on new potatoes. Halfway through, I realized I probably had too many starters, but that didn’t stop me from finishing every bite.
Then came my favorite part—dessert! I savored pannacotta in strawberry soup and a hot chocolate fondant with salted caramel ice cream. Absolutely divine!
Now you can see why I enjoyed my dinner so much. With amazing service to top it off, it was pure perfection. No wonder they’re one of Bristol’s top restaurants. The only downside was the walk back—I might have indulged a bit too much, especially with the prosecco, which made me feel fuller than I was. The hotel was only a five-minute walk, so taking an Uber wasn’t an option. Despite feeling stuffed, I was overjoyed with my meal and wouldn’t change a thing. If I had the chance, I’d make the same choices again—without hesitation!
