In the immortal words of Virginia Woolf: “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”
Food is a universal way of bringing everyone together; whether it be for a nice meal out, a dinner party at home, or a cheeky coffee and cake with a catch up- they all leave you with that warm, fuzzy feeling inside (and a full tum).
Food experiences are a level up from the traditional meet and eat, they are something you take home with you and share with others. A new recipe, a new skill, a new flavour discovery- these are all experiences that last a lifetime and can be passed along to your friends and family.
Autumn is a great time to appreciate the flavours of life, and we have a buffet of gastronomic and gourmet experiences to sink your teeth into around Bristol. There are experiences for those that like being in the kitchen, for those that have an adventurous palate, and for those that prefer to just tuck into the end result...
Stroll your way through Bristol’s tastiest secrets: September & October dates
A three-hour guided stroll through Bristol’s best independents (Nutmeg, Pieminister, No.1 Harbourside, and more), led by Florence—a long‑time Bristol resident and sustainable food expert.
-> Book the ultimate food tour through the Old City here
Get spirited with whisky tasting: October 8th
Warm your cockles and put a fire in your belly with this whisky tasting experience.
If you’ve ever wanted to understand what makes whisky so endlessly fascinating, Spirited’s tasting experience is your golden ticket. Led by passionate whisky lovers, this session invites you to slow down, sip, and savour. You’ll be guided through a carefully curated flight of whiskies—each with its own personality, story, and style.
Perfect for both whisky newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts, this experience is about more than just tasting—it’s about connection. To the history of whisky, to the people behind the bottles, and maybe even to a new favourite tipple you’ll be taking home.
-> Book Spirited's whisky tasting here
From bean to latte with Oddkin Coffee: September & October dates
For anyone who’s ever marvelled at a perfectly poured flat white or wondered how baristas make those silky hearts and ferns appear in your cappuccino, this hands-on workshop with OddKin Coffee Roasters is the chance to step behind the machine.
You’ll start with a guided tasting of different coffees, learning to recognise the subtle differences in flavour and aroma that set each roast apart. From there, it’s all about mastering the craft—dialling in grind settings to unlock the perfect extraction, pulling a balanced espresso shot, and texturing milk until it’s glossy and smooth. Then comes the fun finale: trying your hand at latte art, where you’ll learn to pour your very own heart, rosette, or maybe even a cheeky swirl.
-> Book a barista experience here
Stargazing & Sunday Roast at Nettlecombe Court: October 26
Sometimes the best experiences combine life’s simplest pleasures with its grandest wonders—and this one does exactly that. At Nettlecombe Court, you’ll gather around a long table for a classic Sunday roast, the kind that warms you from the inside out. Expect generous helpings of locally sourced meats and veg, rich gravy, and all the trimmings that make a roast so comforting and nostalgic.
But the magic doesn’t end when the plates are cleared. As evening falls, you’ll step outside into the historic grounds of Nettlecombe Court, located deep within Exmoor National Park—home to some of the UK’s darkest skies. Guided by expert astronomers, you’ll learn to navigate the constellations, trace the path of the Milky Way, and, on clear nights, even spot Saturn’s rings through a telescope.
-> Book stargazing and a Sunday roast here
Turn up the heat and make your own hot sauce: September & October dates
If you’re the kind of person who always reaches for the hot sauce, why not learn to make your own? In this relaxed, small-group workshop, you’ll dive into the world of chillies—discovering how different varieties bring their own unique kick, sweetness, or smokiness to a recipe. With expert guidance, you’ll create your own chilli jam or hot sauce completely from scratch, tailoring the flavour to suit your taste buds, whether you love a fiery punch or a gentler warmth.
The best part? You’ll bottle or jar your creations to take home, giving you a handcrafted condiment to liven up future meals—and bragging rights every time you serve it. But the experience doesn’t stop in the kitchen. After the cooking, everyone gathers for a shared dinner featuring the very sauces and jams you’ve just made, turning the workshop into a celebratory feast.
-> Book hot sauce and chilli jam making experience
Lose the lights and find the flavour at dinner in the dark: September & October dates
What happens when you switch off one sense to awaken the others? Dinner in the Dark flips the script on dining, inviting you to experience food in a way you never have before. Seated in complete darkness, you’ll be served a surprise three-course menu where the flavours, textures, and aromas take centre stage. Without sight to guide you, your palate sharpens, your nose catches subtle scents, and even the sound of clinking cutlery feels more intense.
Each bite becomes an adventure—guessing ingredients, second-guessing your senses, and perhaps discovering flavours you’ve never noticed before. The thrill isn’t just in the eating but in the mystery: you don’t know what’s coming next until it arrives!
