The Ivy Clifton Brasserie

You know you're in for something special when the emerald green banquettes and art deco touches make even a Tuesday lunch feel like an occasion. The Ivy's Clifton outpost has all the polish you'd expect from the famous chain, but somehow feels less stuffy than you might imagine – maybe it's the Bristol crowd keeping things grounded. The menu hits that sweet spot between comfort and sophistication: their shepherd's pie is genuinely excellent, the sea bass arrives perfectly flaky, and the sticky toffee pudding will ruin you for all others. Yes, you're paying Clifton prices, but the execution is spot-on and the service strikes the right balance between attentive and not hovering over your conversation.