One of the best choices for a coffee in Bristol is Baristas, a down-to-earth place, central but tucked away.
It has been around for a few years and feels well established. Not tired, but like a nicely lived-in house, with staff baby photos on the fridge, a cluttered, higgledy-piggledy bar, and half-full help-yourself jars of jam.
It’s all the better for it. An antidote to the clinical, industrial coffee shops of London (which are perfectly wonderful, but maybe a bit too cool for school).
Baristas, by contrast, has a relaxed, unhurried vibe. A grand choice for coffee-sipping on chunky furniture, itself on rather lovely stripped-pine floors.
Flat white isn’t on the menu, so I had an espresso and, on another visit, a latte. Both were served from a manual piston machine, one of those vintage-style operations where the barista pulls a lever rather than pressing a button.
This type of coffee machine emerged in Italy in the 1940s and gave us the phrase “pulling a shot”. There’s no whirring electric pump, and, more significantly, little chance of pulling shots with 100% consistency. That’s a no-go for many of today’s top coffee shops, but for others, including former World Barista Champion Gwilym Davies, it makes the process all the more satisfying, with feel and variety taking a front seat.
I couldn’t say whether the piston made a difference, but I enjoyed my coffees, though not as much as the ones I’ve had before at Boston Tea Party, the most likely alternative in Bristol for a good brew.
Nevertheless, Baristas is a different proposition from Boston Tea Party. More individual, arguably more friendly. A place to get to know the baristas, read the papers and revel in the absence of coffee snobbery. Recommended.
Date of first visit / photos: 17 January 2012
Harbourside
Bristol
BS1 6AA
Web: http://baristas.co.uk/
Also on Twitter.
Baristas is a top notch coffee house. The best in Bristol.
Certainly better than Boston Tea Party imo. What sets it apart is the excellent coffee and outstanding friendly customer service led by the owner George. Food is delicious.
It is standing the test of time, as evidenced by the recent closure of Starbucks nearby. Long live the independent coffee house!
This place looks really lovely. Will definitely pop in next time I’m in Bristol!
I went out of my way to visit Baristas yesterday and i’m glad I did, just stepping in there for 20 minutes made me question why I ever went to the franchises instead before.
Baristas is a hidden gem that never fails, people are constantly in and out. I just sat on the side and watched the footfall and it made me smile. The coffee shop seemed to have its own personality, a vibe that’s hard to find.
As for the coffee, I had a latte and I found that the flavor didn’t disappoint, The place was a good recommendation and i’d happily venture back there the next time i’m in Bristol.