It seems that the restaurant scene in Bristol is evolving faster than anywhere else in Britain. This week, The Florist opened on Park Street and is a pretty place to enjoy expertly mixed floral cocktails and delicious, comforting food.

I visited the Florist last weekend for the opening party events. The restaurant is modest from the street, aside from a stunning floral mural painted on the exterior brick wall. Inside an abundance of whimsical flowers decorate every corner and artwork by local Bristolians Gemma Compton and Jodie Thomas hang on the walls. On the first floor one area is completely taken over by climbing ivy… sure to be a hit with the instagramming community.

We were greeted by smiling staff, who seemed as excited as the guests to be involved in Bristol’s hottest new restaurant opening. Beautiful Bloody Mary’s were being made, adorned with Tabasco, celery sticks, sprigs of rosemary and wedges of lemon. Before long I had also tried other drinks from the floristry-inspired menu… the aromatic ‘Oak Moss Gin Old Fashioned’ and the ‘Violet Daisy’ (a subtle and fragrant concoction) – both drinks were as tasty as they looked.

It took a while to explore all the different rooms at The Florist… I’m sure locals will delight in finding their own favourite space, whether it’s for a quiet business meeting, evening cocktails or a fun weekend brunch. I particularly loved the top floor dining room, with its glass roof and amazing views over the city.

After a quick cinemagraph masterclass in the bar we headed up for lunch. The menu at The Florist features Deli boards and nibbles for sharing along with more substantial main courses and hot pots that showcase seasonal produce. On Sundays they offer a hearty roast… which I was lucky enough to sample when I visited. The irresistible scent from the kitchen made me even hungrier and I watched enviously as other diners received their plates of happiness. Soon it was our turn… generous dishes of roast beef and pork belly arrived steaming hot and glistening with gravy. The meats were delicious, organic, high quality and cooked to perfection. Accompanying the meat were fluffy light Yorkshire puddings, sweet glazed carrots, crispy roast potatoes and colourful broccoli and red cabbage. Along with the main courses we tried a few of the sides which included wonderfully garlicky spinach and indulgent cauliflower cheese. I’m usually not much of a fan of roasts outside my family home, but have to admit that The Florist ticked every box with their decadent Sunday offering.

Before heading home to London there was just enough time to taste the desserts… vegan-suitable Elderflower meringue and caramelised peaches was a light and summery choice, while the Baked white chocolate cheesecake with ginger biscuit was a more greedy option.

As Spring approaches and the daffodils arrive it seems fitting that Bristol welcomes The Florist to its restaurant scene. I was impressed with this creative space… with thoughtful details throughout. And after trying the food and drinks can assure you that this is one eatery that is definitely not style over substance.

More information and book a table here: theflorist.uk.com

Address: 69 Park St, Bristol BS1 5PB. Follow The Florist on Instagram here.

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with The Florist.