Itchy City guide to Bristol. Food, drink, film, music, stage, events, shopping, offers and competitions within Bristol, Great Britain.

A quarter of the UK population are single, and paying the premium for it. Housing, holidays and groceries are more expensive for the singleton. It can have damaging social effects too asmost cafes, bars and restaurants cater solely for couples and groups. Bristol is no exception. Despite the great choice of mundane chains and quirky independent joints, if a solo coffee is what you're hankering for you might struggle. Luckily your trusty side-kick Itchy is on hand to help.

The Village Pottery – Princess Victoria Street
The best thing about this café is its secluded outside space, with wooden benches and a forest-like garden. Tea, coffee and homemade cake are available, all served in handmade pottery made by the resident potter, Jen. Prices are reasonable and because it's situated away from the main roads, it's a good place to go if you want to be ”at one“ with nature, or you could go a few minutes down the road to the Clifton Downs. It's a unique, calming place and perfect for the Sunday newspapers alone, or even with a friend. Itchy had: cup of tea, £1.50ish.

Severn Shed – The Grove, Harbourside
It used to be a shed, now it's a posh restaurant overlooking the waterfront. There are two entrances to Severn Shed, right for the restaurant and left for the bar. Itchy heads left. It's pretty pricy: nearly £6 for a bottle of cider isn't attractive, but the cocktail menu is reasonable and it's a good excuse to drink in the afternoon. Although the tables mostly sit four people, it's quiet enough on this side (the cheap side) of the terrace to take a whole table.  Itchy had: Bramble cocktail, £6.

Hermanos – Queens Road
Manos, as it is known, has something for everyone. If you fancy a cheap coffee in the morning, this is your place. They do tea and coffee for £1 and a selection of yummy cakes. Then for an afternoon drink, (midday is the afternoon, right?) pints start at £3.40. There are several different areas inside, as well as a heated courtyard. If you're still solo by the evening it's probably best to move on as it gets pretty lively, or why not stay and make some new friends. Itchy had: Westons organic cider, £4

The Coffee Lounge – The Mall
Despite the average name, and awkward location, this is truly a hidden treasure. It has two floors with varied seating so you can easily find a secluded, comfy spot to wile away the hours. There's also a large courtyard - probably the biggest garden in Clifton – and tasty food.  It's perfect for lounging on someone else's sofa all afternoon, and there's no washing up after! Itchy had: cup of coffee: £2ish

Café Amore – Nelson Street
It's not one of the nicest streets in Bristol - thanks to ”superclub“ Syndicate - but wooden Café Amore clearly stands out from the other plastic shop fronts.  For the lazy there's some sort of table service (you order at the bar, and then someone follows you to your seat carrying your mug...) and considering the cheap prices and portion sizes are fair. It does get busy so Itchy recommends visiting in the morning for maximum enjoyment. Try the window seats. Itchy had: Cup of tea: £1.50ish Bacon sarnie: £2ish

Finding a café to be on your own can be difficult if you don't know your Gusto from Nero, so try our  five faves – we promise you'll be able to enjoy your favourite tipple in peace.

Heather Findlay

Sleeping in the street on your own is risky, even in Bristol, so if you're staying the night, have a peek at these Bristol hotels.

Tags
tea | cafe | cocktail | coffee | Bristol |