Harbour House

On balmy summer evenings in Bristol, few restaurants can compete with Harbour House’s waterside location for post-work drinks and supper against a backdrop of paddleboarders and kayakers.

The Harbour House building makes for an unusual and pleasing dining setting; it’s said to have been designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel as his private boathouse. It was also the site of Banksy’s first solo exhibition in 2000.

In its current incarnation, it’s a pleasingly rustic restaurant with vaulted ceilings and verdant plants, all of which create a relaxed and airy vibe. Outside, the balcony experience has been elevated by the addition of an awning.

The informality extends to the food offering, which is seasonal and sustainable, majoring on all-day dining and freshly caught seafood. The kitchen has upped the ante recently and is working with a feast of delicious suppliers.

Gorge on dishes like cured monkfish with pickled ginger and greek yogurt, or roast cod with saffron-infused lobster bisque and wild garlic stems. Or try the surf and turf: a 12oz bone-in sirloin with glazed king prawns, seasonal greens and king oyster mushrooms.

The delectable dishes are bolstered by an equally impressive drinks list. A broad selection of beers shares cellar space with an expansive selection of English sparkling wines – to such an extent that there’s no longer Champagne on the menu.

Trencherman’s tip

Swing by during the early evening to enjoy the harbour’s chilled vibe via carefully crafted cocktails at a table on deck.