Bristol named one of the best food destinations in the…

Bristol named one of the best food destinations in the world

Bristol's restaurant scene has blossomed in recent years and today it has been recognised as one of the top food destinations in the world.

The World Food Travel Association has announced the semi-finalists in its 2019 Food Trekking Awards and Bristol is the only place in the UK to make the shortlist.

Now in its fifth year, The Food Trekking Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in experiences for food tourism.

There are six categories in total and Bristol has been shortlisted in the Best Food or Beverage Destination of the Year award in acknowledgement of the work undertaken by Destination Bristol and businesses within the city.

Over the last two years, Destination Bristol has been developing specific programmes around food and beverage tourism, thanks to funding received from the UK Government’s £40 million Discover England Fund administered by Visit England.

The winners will be announced on November 3 in London at the FoodTreX London Food Travel Innovation Summit, where Justin Hawke from Bristol brewery Moor Beer Company will be one of the speakers.

Kathryn Davis, Head of Tourism at Destination Bristol, said: "We are thrilled that Bristol has made the shortlist for this prestigious international award.

"It has been an incredible two years of developing a food tourism strategy and working with businesses to support their development in enabling them to reach the vast B2B travel trade market.

"This covers producers, restaurants, cafés, breweries, tours and experiences and the sense of collaboration that exists."

Bristol's food scene in 2019

News of Bristol's place on the shortlist comes after a groundbreaking year in the food and drink sector for the city.

In January, Bristol was dubbed the Vegan Capital of the World by foodie website Chef’s Pencil, which analysed Google search data to compile a list of worldwide places interested in veganism.

More recently, two Bristol restaurants were named in the Top 50 by Waitrose Good Food Guide 2020 as Casamia retained its place in ninth position, and Wilks made the list at number 42.

Both restaurants have Michelin stars, along with three others in the city. With five Michelin star restaurants in total, Bristol is now the UK city with the most stars outside of London.

The city has also hosted many successful food and drink festivals this year including the British Dal Festival, Foodies Festival, Bristol Food Connections, the year-round Love Food Festival and most recently, The Coffee House Project.