Bristol’s best places for birthdays

Any birthday celebration needs to kick off with a killer brunch and BANK offers one of the best in the city! The focus here is on quality ingredients, speciality coffee, and good vibes. The menu presents some seriously refined brunch dishes: from fried polenta with poached eggs, to rump steak focaccia sandwich, it’s the perfect place to indulge. If you’ve got a sweet tooth (and it is your birthday after all) order a white chocolate and cranberry blondie — trust us, you won’t regret it. Get into the party spirit and accompany your food with one of the expertly crafted brunch cocktails. Our favourites include the Jalapeño Aquavit Bloody Mary and the Banana and Coconut Rum Iced Latte. Yum!

The Giggling Squid is the perfect location if you’re celebrating your birthday with a large group. Smart but not pretentious, this Thai restaurant offers plentiful dishes, bold flavours and a super friendly atmosphere. If you’re heading there for lunch, we recommend the Thai tapas set, where for £10.95 you’ll be treated to four plates of food depending on your tastes (vegetarian, meat, fish, mixed). The big dishes are equally pleasing, too. Real highlights include the Lamb Massaman Curry and the Ginger Soy Scallops. Kick off your meal with a Thai-inspired drink (hello kaffir leaf and ginger G&T!) and relax into the beautiful surroundings.

Let’s be honest. What most of us really want on our birthday is pizza, right? If that’s you, then look no further than Bertha’s. Located in a beautiful and historic building at the top of Gaol Ferry Steps, the restaurant serves fermented sourdough pizzas, homemade gelato, and a knock-out drinks menu to boot. The decor is pared back, and the atmosphere is equally chilled. Expect elevated classics (the Margarita is made with specially sourced Datterini tomatoes and English buffalo mozzarella), alongside some punchy specials. Our favourite comes topped with peaches, tomatoes, zesty lemon mascarpone and nigella seeds. As far as drinks go, the beer is crafted locally, and the wines are all biodynamic. Not one to be missed!

If you want your birthday bash to have a little… je ne sais quoi, then head to littlefrench, where you’ll be treated to fine French food in a relaxed and informal environment. Authentic as you like, the menu is led by the seasons, and great care and attention is paid to each dish. Starters include French classics like duck liver pâté, oysters with a shallot dressing, and roasted queen scallops. For mains, there’s lamb rack with ratatouille and roasted pork belly with hispi cabbage. If you can, leave room for dessert and sample the homemade chocolate mousse — a real triumph. Sophisticated and refined, littlefrench is great if you’re looking to celebrate somewhere special.

Fancy a birthday with a difference? The Raven is your answer. Asking you to ‘leave your preconceptions at the door’, this clandestine cocktail bar specialises in all things witchcraft, cocktails, and jazz. Yep, you heard us correctly! Expect tarot reading, burlesque performances, close-up magic shows and much more. There are also plenty of weird and wonderful cocktails (or should we say concoctions?) and a lively, energetic vibe that makes for the perfect beginning of a night out. What’s not to like?