I’ve been working my way through my summer bucket list as a collaboration with Malibu Rum, and today it was time to head to The Ethicurean for lunch.
I remember seeing The Ethicurean on a blog post a long time ago (I wish I could remember which blog) and have wanted to go there for lunch ever since. It’s in Wrington, just outside Bristol, set in the most gorgeous countryside.
After getting a combination of a bus and taxi there from south Bristol, we realised we could have got the 121 bus to a stop very nearby, and it runs past Bristol Temple Meads train station – so if you can’t drive like us but want to go, remember that nugget of info.
Once we arrived at The Ethicurean, we were greeted by a beautiful walkway made of apple trees, heavy with fruit. We followed the brick path, and looked back at the stunning views surrounding us.
What I didn’t realise before, was that there were a number of artists’ studios on the site too. I had a little peek into one, and thought how inspiring it must be to work in this environment.
We were lucky that it was such a beautiful day, and we were seated by the sunny windowsill decorated with rustic bits of wood, gin bottles and meadow flowers.
To start, Doug had a strawberry salad, which was like a work of art. I had Welsh rarebit, which didn’t make such a pretty picture, but goodness, it was delicious.
Next up was a vegetable terrine with lentils for him, and pork belly for me. This time, I definitely had the prettier meal – the colour of the beetroot was just incredible, it actually glowed. And that crackling – woah.
We had a short break from food with a gin cocktail each – one with beautiful freshly-pressed apple juice, and one with rhubarb and ginger beer.
Finally we had a cheese board to share, with little bits and bobs like celery salt, honey, and chutney to go with each. They were all delicious.
The puddings looked amazing too, and I really wish I’d had room to try the chocolate and salted caramel brownie.
EDIT 2025: The Ethicurean is now sadly closed as a restaurant, after 13 years. Owners Nicola and Matthew now run a community that celebrates nature, ethical practices, wild food, outdoor connection, and the joy of life from the bounty of your surroundings. Find out more on the Ethicurean Life website.
