Despite the sometimes questionable weather the UK brings, the sunshine and bright evenings we've been enjoying makes it undeniable that Spring is here. The season brings many of my favourite things, from flowers to evenings spent outside with friends.
But, as a self-proclaimed foodie one of the parts of Spring I enjoy most are the changing menus restaurants offer. As much as I love a menu of winter warmers, there's something exciting about seeing seasonal produce for the warmer months introduced.
The Ivy Clifton Brasserie is just one Bristol favourite that has combined spring favourites from local, British suppliers to offer some exciting new dishes. The new menu features a number of artisanal British suppliers, to offer fresh exciting courses.
READ MORE: BBC Britain's Top Takeaways: Hoba Kebab to compete against rivals in new show
With dishes including garden pea & nettle soup, grilled asparagus with Szechuan mayonnaise, capers, flaked almonds, quail’s egg and watercress, twice-baked cheese soufflé with gratinated Quicke’s cheese, grated black truffle and a cream sauce, and a renewed selection of steaks, they Ivy promise to capture the essence of the changing seasons. So, we visited the Clifton gem to try out the new menu additions.
I decided to try the garden pea and nettle soup which was joined by crumbled Greek style cheese whilst my boyfriend, who joined me, ordered the salt and pepper squid. In hindsight this was not my smartest choice, as I am not a huge pea fan; it did taste very strongly of peas which is to be expected from the name and so whilst I would recommend it to any pea lovers if you're only a slight fan of the green veg I'd advise you to stay clear as the flavours aren't shy.
My boyfriends squid order however was finished before I could even butter my accompanying sourdough bread (which was warm and fresh), clearly showing his approval. Along with starters we enjoyed two of the spring cocktails - the Brunel Breeze, which was absolutely delicious and by far a favourite, as well as the French Garden.
The Brunel Breeze was sweet, attributed to the passionfruit, lime and ginger beer included. Whilst the French Garden was particularly strong, accredited to the Hendricks gin and Ivy collection champagne it boasts.
The fancy fish and chips the Ivy offer are indicative of Spring; offering "Traditional battered fillets served with mashed peas, Ivy cut chips and tartare sauce. The portions are generous and every ingredient fresh and delicious and the same goes for the sirloin steak and truffle and parmesan chips that were equally as enjoyed.
One of the most exciting parts of dining at the Ivy are the picture perfect, themed desserts they consistently serve up. For the Spring season the restaurant are offering the stand out Black Bee Honey and White Chocolate Cheesecake, which is served alongside mango sorbet, honeycomb and edible flowers; as well as an adorable chocolate bee which appeared too cute to eat.
It was simply delicious. The ivy always manage to master a perfect balance of flavours which their desserts that allows you to enjoy every morsel of the sweet treats without the sweetness being too overpowering.
We finished off the trip with two more cocktails, one being one of the best cocktails I've ever enjoyed. The Raspberry Mousse coupe was made up of Absolut Vanilia Vodka, Moose Alpine Maple Liqueur, cranberry, fresh raspberries, maple syrup and vegan foame and was tasty and sweet with the alcohol being well balanced however it was the Caledonia Collins that really stood out.
Described by the Ivy as their "English garden cocktail" it boasts Wyborowa Vodka, elderflower cordial, cucumber, apple and lime and is topped with Aspall Cyder. It's an undeniable smooth drink and the apple flavour isn't something many cocktails offer; it's the perfect drink for Spring - fresh, sweet and light.
Many of the Spring offers will call your name but no visitor can leave without sampling the Caledonia Collins and the Black Bee Honey and White Chocolate Cheesecake. They are certainly exceptional.
Sign up to Bristol's What's On newsletter, which includes our weekly 'Food Club' send for an exclusive insight into other Bristol restaurants all new Spring menus.
