The Lido Restaurant

Set in a viewing gallery overlooking the 24-metre blue-tiled pool at Bristol’s regenerated Victorian lido, this comfortable breezy space is one of the most exciting eateries in town – with the bonus of a spa, poolside bar and other treats. The kitchen has forged a reputation for astutely handled food with broad Mediterranean overtones and influences ranging from Spain to the Middle East. Fuss-free, vibrant flavours shine through in a raft of colourful dishes running from ajo blanco with cherries and basil or lamb’s sweetbreads with girolles, broad beans and jamón to slow-cooked rabbit leg with peas, morcilla and mint or broad bean falafel with carrot and orange-blossom purée and Turkish salad. The wood-fired oven also gets a good workout (whole plaice with sherry butter, asparagus and crispy capers, say), while desserts might bring Jerez cream with poached cherries, anis de mono and almond biscotti. You can drop by for breakfast too, and a tapas menu is served in the poolside bar. The Lido’s various ‘swim and eat’ packages are also worth checking out.

The Lido Restaurant in Bristol is as it sounds - a picturesque restaurant overlooking the 24-metre outdoor swimming pool with floor to ceiling windows to let the natural light flood in and give an airy feeling of space while still protecting diners from the elements. This award-winning restaurant is a relaxed and informal dining space where guests can enjoy an impressive menu in a fun and pleasurable atmosphere. 

The Lido restaurant menu offers hints of the Mediterranean with a strong Spanish vibe and all the ingredients are sourced on a small scale, handpicked with a strong emphasis on quality. When seated in the restaurant you will be able to catch a glimpse of the buzzing kitching, including the roaring wooden oven where the majority of dishes are cooked - offering an extra element of fun and entertainment to your dining experience.

The lunch menu is served from midday until 2.45pm and then you have a choice of the set menu or a la carte. Highlights include starters of wood roasted scallops served with garlic butter and sweet herbs or a vegan-friendly raw courgette, lentil and sweet herb salad. Mains include a roast leg of Somerset lamb and a vegan choice of wood baked bomba rice with violet artichokes, caramelised peppers and aioli.

The restaurant is open to the public as well as to swimmers. If you also want to enjoy a dip in the heated lido then you can choose the eat and swim package where you can have access to the pool and poolside bar before heading up for a relaxed and informal dining experience that offers an award winning menu.