Hello, my rain-sodden fellow West Country dwellers. Since my last post, we’ve enjoyed one pretend storm and a couple of real ones, so it’s probably about time that I coax you out from underneath your fleecy blankets and away from your hearths (if you’re lucky enough to have one) and give you a few things to look forward to over the coming days.

Thurs 7th Nov – The Cuban opens in Bristol
We’ve had an amazing year for new businesses opening in Bristol, and it shows no sign of slowing down at the end of the year, with exciting openings coming up in the form of Small Bar, Matilda’s Chilli Bar and The Ox. Steak of the Art has already opened, and next week we have Bristol’s first dedicated Cuban restaurant coming to the harbour. The Cuban will be on hand for any rum cocktail cravings (their bar stocks over 100 rums) or dance outings (they offer salsa, bachata and reggaeton classes) and if you book for the opening night you get 20% off. Niiice. http://www.thecubanbristol.co.uk/

From 8th Nov – German Christmas Market
Sad as it is, I have been looking forward to this since March, when all of the comforting mulled beverages disappeared from my life for another 9 months. But the good times are back – so as of this Friday you can get your fill of sausages, pretzels, gingerbread and mulled wine in Broadmead. Remember to ask for the extra rum or amaretto in your wine; the latter especially is a taste sensation.http://www.bristolgermanchristmasmarket.co.uk/

8-10th Nov  – Only Wolves and Lions, Parlour Show Rooms
A cross between a play, a dinner party and Ready, Steady, Cook! – this experimental and food-centric theatre piece comes to the Parlour Showrooms for 3 nights only. It’s hard to know what to expect, but it sounds like great fun. I’ll be writing a review next week so keep your eyes peeled! http://www.parlourshowrooms.co.uk/only-wolves-and-lions/

Weds 13th Nov – Moor Beer Tasting
After the success of the Wild Beer Co. tasting event in September, The Barley Mow are welcoming another brewing hero in to their establishment. Expect interesting anecdotes, lots of brewing facts and plenty of tasty, tasty beer. https://www.facebook.com/events/356949177769877/?ref=5

11th-14th Nov – Maud’s Treats at 40 Alfred Place
She’s been blowing people away with her tasty and unique cakes at Brewdog for a while now, but from next week you’ll also be able to try Maud’s Treats at the pop-up cafe at 40 Alfred Place. Recent offerings have included pumpkin and banana cupcakes, cupcakes topped with bacon and an array of treats made with Brewdog beers. http://www.40alfredplace.net/event/le-petit-cafe-mauds-treats/

So, I think that’s enough for you all to be getting on with. If not, I can also recommend trying some suitably wintery drinks before the arrival of mulled cider at your favourite drinking hole – namely the pumpkin beer at Brewdog, or Wild Beer Co.’s chocolate, vanilla and coffee stout Wildebeest, which among others will be on keg at Copper Jack’s shortly. If you want to have your tipple fix ‘zu Haus’, I recommend popping along to the newly-opened booze emporium Weber & Tring’s on Christmas Steps – their stock is impressive and the shop is mighty pretty too.

If you’re still insufficiently sated for food and drink tips, get thee over to my co-written recipe site SaucyPans for some lovely wintery receipes – this week Lia posted a Sausage Meatball Pasta Bake which will knock your thermal socks off. Until next time!

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