From free-ranged jerk chicken cooked on the BBQ to vegan coconut and lime dhal – these Bristol food markets got people coming back for more.
Bristol is a vibrant and diverse city and is well known for its lively nightlife, innovative music, and rich history. This is especially true of the food scene, where you can find pretty much any type of cuisine you like.
This diversity also applies to Bristol’s street food markets, which have seen a bit of a revolution over recent years. From Brazilian and Tibetan to Caribbean and Thai street food. You are absolutely spoilt for choice, with a food market on pretty much every day of the week and even some nights.
So to help you navigate the array of food markets I have put together a list of the best food markets in Bristol you need to try.
The Harbourside Market
The Harbourside Food Market, Bristol
Let’s start with the Harbourside food market. Located in one of the best areas in Bristol, on the waterfront, this market does not only have great food stalls but a great view of the harbour. This place, especially, comes alive in the summer with the city’s residents.
Founded in 2010, this food market is part of the No.1 Harbourside. It has grown over recent years due to its popularity, from a Saturday and Sunday market to a lunchtime food market serving the city’s office workers.
Its ethos is to promote local independent businesses, as an alternative to the high street, and creativity within Bristol.
A particular selling point of this market is the live music and DJs they often have. And most of it is local talent.
Traders to look out for
Momo’s – Fresh meat and veg Asian dumplings to die for
Tasty Ragga – Specialty includes jerk flamed Jerk chicken
Where
1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol BS1 5UH
When
Every Weds & Thurs 12.00-14.30
Every Sat & Sun 11.00-16.00
https://www.theharboursidemarket.co.uk/
Temple Quay Market
Temple Quay Food Market, Bristol
Located in the relatively new office developments of Temple Quay, this food market mainly feeds hungry office dwellers. They have a wide selection of high-quality street food stalls here serving up some very tasty food.
Traders to look for
The Pickled Brisket – Salted beef and sauerkraut sandwiches with melted cheese
For Mice & Men – Grilled cheese sandwiches with a range of fillings
Where
The Square, Temple Quay BS16 Bristol
When
Thurs 12-2 pm
https://www.facebook.com/TempleQuayMarket/
St Nicholas Market
St Nicks Food Market, Bristol
This food market is a Bristol institution and has been running in one form or another since way back in 1743. Run by Bristol City Council, there are permanent food traders, in the indoor market, 7 days a week, and needless to say, the food is absolutely on point.
You can get a chicken, beef, or halloumi Kurdish Wrap made with fresh dough from Matinas, a gourmet pie from Bristol’s famous Pieminister, or fresh fruit and vegetable juice from the Big Juice bar.
During the weekday to extend this wonderful offering of food, the market is extended out onto Wine st. Here you will see street food traders selling freshly made Indian, Thai, and Caribbean offerings.
Traders to look out for
Indian Masala – These guys have been going for years and serve up fantastic veggie curries
Good Food & Co. – All their menu is gluten-free, with a wide selection of world foods
Where
Indoor food market
Corn Street, Bristol BS1 1JQ
Street food market
Wine St, Bristol
Where
Indoor food market – Monday – Saturday 9.30 am – 5.00 pm/ Sunday 10.00 am – 5.00 pm
Street food market – Every Tuesday & Friday 11.00 am – 2.30 pm
Bristol Vegan and Wellbeing Market – Every Monday 10 am-3 pm
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/web/st-nicholas-markets
Tobacco Factory
Tobacco factory food market, Bristol
This great food market offers a bit of something for everyone. From delicious street food to local growers and producers selling cheeses, meats, and fruit and vegetables.
Located in the courtyard of the Old Wills Tobacco Company in the Southville area of Bristol, which has also seen a renaissance in recent years. This place has become quite the Bristol institution in terms and local culture and creativity.
Traders to look out for
She Sells Sushi – Voted trader of the month in Jan 2019
Agnes Spencer – Long-time resident, famous for his Caribbean cuisine
Where
Tobacco Factory, Raleigh Rd, Bristol BS3 1TF
When
Food Market – Every Sunday 10 am-2.30 pm
http://tobaccofactory.com/sunday-market/
Whiteladies Rd, Food Market
Whiteladies Rd, Food market
Starting in 2006, this food market placed a big emphasis on sustainability and locally produced products. It prides itself on an alternative to mass-produced, overpacked supermarket products and encourages active participation in the community.
Not as many street food stalls as the others on this list. However, you can find fresh local produce (meats, fruit, veg, and cheese) here from Leigh Court Farm, Cotswolds Edge, Old Sodbury Lamb, and Gales Farm.
Where
108 Whiteladies Rd, Bristol BS8 2RP
When
Every Sat 8.30 am-2.00 pm
http://www.sustainableredland.org.uk/market/
Finzels Reach, Food Market
Finzels Reach Food Market, Bristol
Run by Sophie Bowden Events this is a recent addition to the Bristols street food scene. Located in the newly developed waterside area of Finzels Reach, it mainly serves office workers over the lunch hour from the surrounding offices.
Despite being a young market it more than makes up with its selection of traders from all over the South-west of England. At this food market, you can sample Thai street food, grilled cheese sandwiches, and New York hot dogs to name but a few. Definitely, one to watch out for over the coming years.
Traders to look for
Low N Slow – A selection of slow-cooked meats with homemade sauces
Murray Mays – Middle Eastern cooking, served from a converted Mercedes ambulance
Where
Old Temple Street ( just off Counterslip)
Bristol
BS1 6BX
When
Every Fri 12.00 pm – 2.00 pm
http://sophiebevents.co.uk/index.html
St Nick’s Night Market
St. Nicks Night Market, Bristol
We have already included this amazing Bristol street food institution, but it doesn’t stop there – St Nicks also has a night food market. Here you will find not only exceptional street food from the likes of Eatchu and Bombay Brunch but also local entertainers, live music, and outdoor bars.
Run separately by Love Food Festival this unfortunately is not a regular night market and is usually held throughout the summer and over the Xmas period. Check out their website below for upcoming events.
Where
Corn Street, Bristol BS1 1JQ
When
Check out their website for upcoming events.
http://lovefoodfestival.com/events/st-nicks-night-market
Street food traders to look out for
The street food scene in Bristol is like one big community and you will see some street food stalls across most of these food markets. However, there are a few food stalls that I think deserve a special mention and are also some of my personal favourites.
Tasty Ragga
Tasty Ragga
Free-range jerk chicken legs grilled right in front of you, with a side of sweet potato fries. Check! Flavoursome and saucy curried goat with rice and peas. Check! Not digging the meat? How about vegan Ital stew? These guys got you covered and know how to cook up a storm.
Tasty Ragga can be found at the Harbourside market throughout the year and at various festivals throughout the summer. They are also available for private events and weddings.
Buckland Burgers
These guys have fought off a lot of good competition to be crowned as the go-to guys for street food burgers in Bristol. They are seriously good!
Choose from Classic beef, Lamb, Venison, or halloumi. All of their ingredients are locally sourced, within the Somerset area with a range of interesting sweet and tangy toppings on offer, making Buckland burgers a truly gourmet affair.
http://www.bucklandburgers.co.uk/
Good Food & Co.
The team at Good Food and Co. has one of the widest selections of very interesting and tasty world foods, I have seen at a food stall. And the food on their menu is always being rotated to give people choices. From Jerk kid goat and chili beef brisket to vegan dishes such as coconut and lime dhal and Persian green stew.
All of their ingredients are locally sourced and entirely gluten and dairy-free and they place a big emphasis on using biodegradable packaging. They can be found mainly at the Harbourside Market and Finzels Reach.
Kabala Kitchen
Vegan diets are on the rise and there are some wonderful food stalls opening to cater for this demand. One such stall and recent addition to the Bristol street scene is Kabala Kitchen.
They do a great range of familiar meat classics but with a vegan-friendly and healthy twist. Dishes such as kebab plates served with flatbread, tahini sauce, pickled red cabbage, and hummus. I am a meat eater and I can tell you I could really tell the difference.
One to watch out for over the coming years.
Related article:
Tru Foo Juice Bar Co.
I have saved the best till last!
Not technically food, but something a little different from what you normally see at food markets in Bristol. This is a mobile juice bar, that juices and blends a wide range of fresh juices, smoothies, and super-smoothies. Think apple, cucumber, ginger, and lime juice or a peanut butter and banana smoothie made with almond milk.
I have to disclose a vested interest here, however. Yes, it is a great street food business (in my opinion) but it is also my company. Sorry to self-promote but I think it is important to give you a little insight into my involvement with the street food industry. I also hope it gives credibility to the articles written on this site.
We can be found at the Harbourside market and festivals throughout the summer and are also available for private and corporate events.
https://www.trufoojuicebar.co.uk/
So there you have it guys a list of the best food markets in Bristol you really need to try. The street food scene really doesn’t disappoint and it’s always great to support local and independent businesses. So if you are ever in the area, down the cutlery check them out.
Gavin D is the founder of Street Food Central and Tru Foo Juice Bar Co. and has worked in the mobile catering industry for over 7 years.
