Chandos Deli

I think I’ve had take aways from all Chandos delis in Bristol and the food is always great and the service friendly. I’ve never eaten in, so can’t comment on that. If you’ve never had one of their chocolate brownies then you’ve missed out on a real treat — but take it slowly as they are very filling. It might seem pricey but it’s all good qualty.

I’ve always loved Chandos Deli in Clifton, although it is not the cheapest place to eat lunch. But I don’t get up to Clifton much so was thrilled when they opted to open a branch in the new upmarket Quakers Friars area. This deli is far more than just an average place to buy expensive charcuterie but the city centre branch lacks the intimacy or indeed the authenticity of the older outlets. It is in a big glass-​fronted unit on the end next to The Mall and I do worry about footfall here as it never seems that busy. But there’s some lovely tables outside and some upturned beer barrels to rest your latte on. The fare in here is hearty and healthy and above all locally sourced but you are paying above the odds. They always do a good soup and great coffees though if you are trying to keep costs down. If not, sample the gorgeous pre-​prepared sandwiches or some of their organic breads and olives. And if you are not plannning to schlep round the shops straight after, fill your handbag with their cheeses. They are pretty happy to let you sample them and do an incredible selection. They also do really tasty pastries.

This spacious branch of Chandos Deli is their newest addition, down at Quakers Friars by Cabot Circus, and it’s well worth a stop-​off if you’re shopping in the area — as long as you’re not watching the pennies!
It has quite a few seats where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or an afternoon snack from their mouthwatering menu of dishes made with premium ingredients, many of them sourced locally in the West Country.
The shop sells fresh organic bread, olive oils, preserves, chocolate, cold meats, cheeses, and even Amalfi lemons when they’re in season! Obviously some of the produce is imported from abroad because this is the only place from which it can be sourced, but there is also a good choice of local food.
All the produce is of an exceptional quality, and it’s worth visiting for the cheese counter alone because of the many interesting varieties on offer. You can try a sample before you buy, if you ask at the counter — but be prepared to get a shock when they tot up your bill, even if you buy only a select few items, because this place is expensive — but you get what you pay for!

When I first moved to Bristol I wanted to eat, live and breathe West Country life. So when I asked my colleagues where the best place for local produce is, it’s no wonder they pointed me in the direction of Chandos Deli. When you walk through the doors of the Quaker’s Friars branch, the smell of flavoured oils, cheeses and freshly cut meats fills your nostrils and lifts your mood.
The newest in the chain, this deli is a great place to have a spot of breakfast before marathon-​style shopping at the nearby Cabot Circus. At around £5 for a small bite, it’s good value for money for something freshly cooked and very yummy — can’t go wrong with a smoked salmon bagel, or a warm croissant with emmental cheese.
A lot of their oils, meats and cheese are imported from abroad which is understandable but their local produce is the best they stock. My favourite thing from Chandos Deli, apart from their olives, is Orchard Pig cider — sweet, light and local. If you’re a bit of a foodie, it’s definitely worth a visit. Just make sure you don’t go when you’re hungry or you’ll end up spending a fortune!

This branch of Chandos Deli is newly built as part of the Cabot Circus development. It has a large deli downstairs and a restaurant upstairs as well as some tables on the pavement outside. I visited this restaurant whilst in Bristol Christmas shopping last year. The waiter who served us was a bit abrupt and moody, I think he might have had a heavy night the night before! The food was really nice — I had goats cheese and sun-​dried tomato pizzettas with salad — but pricey for what you get. The restaurant was almost empty, I am not sure that many people know that that this branch of Chandos Deli has a second floor!