BOX-E – Bristol’s Intimate Modern British Gem in a Shipping Container
A tiny 14-seat restaurant in Bristol’s Wapping Wharf shipping containers, serving inventive Modern British tasting menus and seasonal dishes in an intimate, industrial-chic setting.
Tucked inside a pair of converted shipping containers at Bristol’s Wapping Wharf, BOX-E is a tiny 14-seat restaurant serving inventive, seasonal Modern British cuisine. Chef Elliott Lidstone crafts a regularly changing menu, including a celebrated seven-course unwritten tasting menu, in a relaxed, industrial-chic setting with open kitchen views and a small kitchen counter for an even more immersive experience. It’s a destination for food lovers seeking quality, intimacy, and value by the harbour.
A brief summary to BOX-E
- Unit 10 Cargo 1, Bristol, BS1 6WP, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 3.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Wednesday 5:30 pm-8:15 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-2:15 pm
- Friday 12 pm-2:15 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-2:15 pm
Local tips
- Book well in advance – with only 14 seats, tables fill up quickly, especially for the tasting menu.
- Request the seven-course unwritten tasting menu when booking if you want the full BOX-E experience.
- Mention any dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) at the time of booking so the kitchen can plan accordingly.
- Arrive a little early to enjoy a drink at one of the nearby Cargo bars and soak up the lively harbour-side atmosphere.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
BOX-E location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about BOX-E
A Tiny Container, Big Flavours
Nestled in the vibrant Cargo development at Bristol’s Wapping Wharf, BOX-E occupies a pair of repurposed shipping containers, transformed into a compact, 14-seat restaurant that feels more like a private dinner party than a formal dining room. The space is deliberately simple: exposed metal, glass, and blonde plywood create an industrial-chic backdrop that puts the food firmly in the spotlight. Chef Elliott Lidstone, formerly of The Empress in Hackney and The Ortolan, runs this intimate venture with his wife Tessa, turning a modest container into one of Bristol’s most talked-about culinary destinations.Seasonal Modern British on a Plate
The menu at BOX-E is proudly seasonal and Modern British, changing regularly to showcase the best of what’s available. Diners can choose from an à la carte selection of refined bistro-style dishes or opt for the signature seven-course unwritten tasting menu, a highlight that has earned the restaurant a Michelin Bib Gourmand for good quality, good value cooking. Each course is a study in balance and technique, often featuring ingredients like scallop, trout, hake, and a famously rich panna cotta. The kitchen is highly accommodating, offering thoughtful vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free adaptations on request.An Intimate, Open-Kitchen Experience
With just 14 seats, BOX-E offers an unusually personal dining experience. The open kitchen layout means you’re close to the action, watching the chef and team work with quiet intensity. For an even more immersive evening, there’s a four-seat kitchen counter where guests can enjoy a bespoke tasting menu while interacting directly with the kitchen. Service is warm and attentive, matching the restaurant’s unpretentious, convivial atmosphere – ideal for a special occasion or a memorable meal with friends.Wine, Weather and the Wapping Wharf Vibe
A carefully curated, seasonal wine list – often featuring small, biodynamic producers – complements the food beautifully, and a wine flight is available to pair with the tasting menu. The restaurant also has a covered, heated outdoor terrace, making it a comfortable choice even on cooler Bristol evenings. BOX-E is part of the Cargo development, a collection of independent shops, bars and restaurants housed in shipping containers, giving it a lively, creative harbour-side energy while remaining a calm, focused dining destination in its own right.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Matthew of Bristol
0.1 km
Explore Bristol's maritime heritage aboard The Matthew, a historic ship offering breathtaking views and engaging tours of the city's vibrant harbor.
Prince Street Bridge
0.2 km
A working Victorian swing bridge over Bristol’s Floating Harbour, connecting the city centre with the Cumberland Road area and offering quiet views of boats and quays.
Statue of Cary Grant
0.4 km
Celebrate Hollywood legend Cary Grant with a lifelike bronze statue in Bristol’s vibrant Millennium Square, capturing his timeless charm and local roots.
Statue of Ram Mohan Roy
0.6 km
A dignified bronze tribute in Bristol honoring Ram Mohan Roy’s legacy as a pioneering Indian reformer and visionary.
King George V Memorial Fountain
0.6 km
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
Cascade Steps
0.6 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
Statue of Edmund Burke
0.8 km
A bronze tribute to Edmund Burke on Bristol’s waterfront, where 18th-century ideals meet modern city life.
Old Post Office
0.9 km
Discover Bristol’s 18th-century Old Post Office, a preserved Georgian landmark blending rich history with vibrant city life at Corn Street.
Bristol Bridge
0.9 km
A historic stone bridge spanning Bristol’s Floating Harbour, linking the Old City with Redcliffe and centuries of the city’s story.
The Nails
0.9 km
Historic iron nails in Bristol’s Corn Street where medieval merchants sealed their deals, embodying the city’s rich trading heritage.
The Red Lodge Museum
0.9 km
Explore The Red Lodge Museum, a historical landmark in Bristol, showcasing exquisite period rooms and captivating exhibitions that illuminate the city's rich heritage.
Royal Talbot Buildings
0.9 km
Discover the Royal Talbot Buildings in Redcliffe, Bristol: A luxurious executive suite experience perfect for your city escape.
Medieval Vaults
1.0 km
Explore Bristol’s hidden medieval cellars beneath High Street, where Gothic vaults tell tales of centuries past beneath the city’s modern bustle.
Cabot Tower
1.0 km
Historic 105-foot tower atop Bristol’s oldest park, offering free panoramic city views and a peaceful nature escape.
Old City Walls
1.0 km
Trace the vanished medieval walls that shaped Bristol’s historic Old City, revealing centuries of rich heritage and urban evolution.
Unmissable attractions to see
Lloyds Amphitheatre
0.2 km
A landmark postmodern amphitheatre and public space at Bristol’s harbourside, blending architectural heritage with vibrant cultural events.
Bristol Harbour Railway
0.2 km
Step aboard Bristol Harbour Railway’s heritage steam train for a scenic 15-minute journey through the city’s historic waterfront.
Hannover Quay
0.3 km
Discover Hannover Quay, Bristol’s vibrant harbourside district blending historic charm with modern waterfront living and cultural buzz.
Millennium Square
0.3 km
A vibrant urban square by Bristol’s Harbourside, blending modern design, cultural events, and family-friendly fun year-round.
Bristol Ferry
0.3 km
Scenic water transport linking Bristol's landmarks with friendly crews and harbour-side charm.
Pero's Bridge
0.4 km
Discover Pero's Bridge in Bristol, a blend of modern architecture and historic charm, perfect for leisurely strolls and picturesque views of the harbor.
The Bristol Wheel
0.4 km
Soar above Bristol’s iconic landmarks on The Bristol Wheel, a dazzling Ferris ride offering stunning panoramic city views day and night.
Narrow Quay
0.4 km
Historic Narrow Quay in Bristol blends maritime heritage with vibrant arts and waterside charm in the heart of the Floating Harbour.
We The Curious
0.4 km
Discover Bristol’s vibrant science centre with interactive exhibits, creative workshops, and the UK’s only 3D Planetarium in a playful, inclusive space.
Bristol Aquarium
0.4 km
Explore captivating marine life and conservation stories at Bristol Aquarium, a vibrant underwater world in the heart of Bristol.
Queen Square
0.5 km
A serene Georgian square in Bristol’s center, blending historic charm with peaceful green space and vibrant cultural life.
Redcliffe Caves
0.5 km
Explore Bristol’s mysterious underground network of historic sandstone caves, once vital to glassmaking and now a captivating cultural venue.
Watershed
0.5 km
A vibrant cultural cinema and creative hub on Bristol’s Harbourside, blending film, food, events, and sustainability in a welcoming setting.
Harbourside
0.5 km
Discover Bristol Harbourside, where rich maritime history meets vibrant culture, waterside dining, and lively urban charm.
Bristol Cathedral
0.5 km
Explore Bristol Cathedral’s majestic medieval hall church with soaring vaults, Gothic Revival nave, and centuries of rich history in the city’s heart.
Essential places to dine
BOX-E
0.0 km
A tiny 14-seat restaurant in Bristol’s Wapping Wharf shipping containers, serving inventive Modern British tasting menus and seasonal dishes in an intimate, industrial-chic setting.
Root
0.0 km
A pioneering vegetable-focused restaurant in Bristol’s waterfront Cargo, blending seasonal flavors with a unique shipping container setting.
Gambas
0.0 km
A vibrant Spanish tapas bar in a harbourside shipping container, serving excellent seafood and classic small plates with great views over Bristol Harbour.
Harbour & Browns
0.0 km
Contemporary fusion dining in stylish shipping containers with harbour views at Bristol’s vibrant Wapping Wharf.
The Olive Shed
0.1 km
Mediterranean tapas and seafood with stunning harbour views in a cozy, waterside Bristol setting.
Tare Restaurant
0.1 km
Experience vibrant modern European cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting overlooking Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Casa Bristol
0.3 km
Refined Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist in Bristol’s historic Redcliffe harbourside, blending tradition and innovation.
Las Iguanas - Bristol - Harbourside
0.4 km
Lively Latin American dining and cocktails with vibrant vibes by Bristol’s picturesque Harbourside waterfront.
New MoOn On The Quay
0.4 km
Eclectic tapas and global flavors served in a quirky riverside setting with garden charm and inclusive menus in Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Rick's
0.4 km
Discover Rick's in Bristol - where exceptional cocktails meet delightful brunches in a vibrant waterfront setting.
The River Grille
0.4 km
Elegant Harbourside fine dining with West Country steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic waterfront views.
Steak of the Art
0.4 km
A bold Bristol steakhouse where art, design and expertly cooked meat come together in a vibrant Harbourside setting.
MUSE Brasserie - Bristol
0.4 km
Discover the exquisite blend of French and Indian flavors at MUSE Brasserie, Bristol’s premier fusion dining destination in an elegant bistro setting.
Riverstation
0.5 km
Stylish harbourside dining in Bristol with dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic river views from a smart, nautical-inspired restaurant and bar.
Harbour House - Restaurant, Bar & Terrace
0.5 km
Historic waterfront restaurant celebrating southwest seafood and seasonal produce with stunning harbour views.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fig1
0.0 km
Discover Scandinavian-inspired homewares and unique gifts at this independent Bristol gem, where clean lines meet creative curation in the heart of Wapping Wharf.
Something Elsie
0.1 km
Discover vibrant 80s and 90s vintage fashion, dazzling jewellery, and quirky gifts in Bristol’s colorful Something Elsie shop at Cargo 2.
Orendo
0.4 km
Discover unique ladies' fashion at Orendo, a chic clothes shop in Bristol that embodies the city's vibrant style and trends.
Zhyper
0.5 km
Trendy threads and accessories in Bristol's Harbourside hub, where personal style meets waterfront vibrancy and urban creativity.
my a2space
0.5 km
A compact Harbourside shop showcasing locally made prints, gifts and artisan wares from Bristol’s creative community.
Will's doss pit
0.5 km
Dive into Bristol's quirky underbelly at Will's Doss Pit, where vintage treasures and bohemian finds await in historic Queen Square.
Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop at Windmill Hill City Farm
0.7 km
Discover unique handmade gifts by Bristol artists at the vibrant Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop within Windmill Hill City Farm.
Rhubarb Jumble
0.7 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique home treasures in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Southville neighborhood.
Independent Design Collective
0.8 km
Discover unique artisan gifts and crafts from Bristol’s vibrant local artists at Independent Design Collective in Southville.
Alices Secret Empourium
0.8 km
Uncover Bristol's quirk-filled gift haven on Park Street, where eclectic treasures and whimsical wonders await every curious explorer.
Over Here
0.9 km
Discover quirky gifts and stylish clothing at Over Here, a hidden gem in Bristol's historic St Nicholas Markets arcade.
This Feeling
0.9 km
Trendy threads in Bristol's historic market heart—independent fashion amid Georgian charm and bustling stalls.
Riff Raff Gifts The Bong Shop
0.9 km
Specialist smoking accessories retailer in historic St Nicholas Market's Covered Market.
Ganesha
0.9 km
Discover unique gifts, clothing, and handicrafts at Ganesha, Bristol's treasure trove of artistic creations and local craftsmanship.
Uncle Sam's Vintage
0.9 km
Bristol's legendary American vintage superstore, curating authentic mid-century treasures since 1984.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Shakespeare Tavern
0.3 km
Waterside Bristol pub pouring cask ales, pub classics, and community cheer in a dog-friendly haven with garden vibes.
The Architect
0.3 km
Art deco café-bar on Bristol's Floating Harbour: coffees by day, cocktails by night, with terrace views of ferries and quayside life.
Slug & Lettuce - Harbourside Bristol
0.4 km
Bristol harbourside cocktail haven with 2-for-1 drinks, bottomless brunches, and waterfront terrace vibes for unforgettable nights out.
Steinbeck and Shaw
0.4 km
Bristol's graffiti-glazed cocktail haven where masterclasses, happy hours, and late-night vibes collide in historic style.
Loose Cannon Cocktail Bar - Bristol
0.4 km
Quirky harbourside haven blending pop culture cocktails, local art, and Bristol's playful vibe in a waterfront independent gem.
Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
0.5 km
A relaxed, all-day cafe-bar in the W Shed offering casual meals and drinks beside Bristol’s harbourside.
Small Bar
0.6 km
Bristol's compact craft beer gem: sample microbrew masterpieces in rustic intimacy amid King Street's historic buzz.
Kongs of King Street
0.6 km
A lively Bristol bar blending arcade games, craft beers, and vibrant music for unforgettable nights on King Street.
Bag of Nails
0.8 km
A quirky Bristol pub where hand-drawn art, local ales, and friendly cats create an unforgettable and cozy atmosphere.
The Clockwork Rose
0.8 km
Bristol's steampunk speakeasy where airship captain's cocktails blend Victorian flair, fantastical lore, and masterful mixology into unforgettable evenings.
Brozen Bar - Bristol
0.8 km
Discover Bristol’s Brozen Bar, where inventive frozen cocktails and a cosy atmosphere create a unique, must-visit cocktail experience.
Secret Cocktail Club - Bristol
0.8 km
Discover Bristol’s hidden basement bar blending historic charm with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, secretive setting.
Revolution Bristol
0.8 km
Two-storey cocktail bar in Bristol’s Old Fish Market — colourful interiors, mezzanine balcony and cocktails for day and night.
Slug & Lettuce - City Centre Bristol
0.9 km
Bristol's go-to cocktail haven on St Nicholas Street, blending lush drinks, tasty bites, and vibrant nights in the Old City heart.
The Boardroom
0.9 km
Grazing boards, rum mastery and historic charm in Bristol's Old City—perfect for intimate drinks or private hires till late.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
PRYZM
0.4 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at PRYZM, a multi-room club with themed music floors, student deals, and a lively party atmosphere.
Thekla
0.4 km
A converted cargo ship transformed into Bristol’s compact, industrial live-music venue and late-night club, famed for close-up shows and throbbing club nights.
OMG
0.7 km
Southwest's biggest gay club: massive dance floor, killer sound, themed nights, and inclusive vibes until dawn in Bristol's heart.
Popworld - Bristol
0.7 km
Dance to 90s and 00s pop anthems under neon lights at Bristol's ultimate nostalgic nightclub, where cheesy hits and POPTAIL cocktails fuel epic nights out.
Forró Bristol
0.7 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Basement 45
0.7 km
Experience Bristol’s underground nightlife at Basement 45, where eclectic music, intimate vibes, and vibrant events come alive until the early hours.
Queenshilling - Bristol Bar and Nightclub
0.8 km
Bristol's iconic LGBTQ+ haven: dance, drag, and drinks in an intimate Frogmore Street gem fueling the city's electric nightlife.
Antix
0.8 km
Bristol's enduring late-night haven on Park Street: cocktails till 1am, DJ beats till 6am, dancing into dawn with house, R&B, and reggaeton vibes.
Silk Nightclub
0.9 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at Silk Nightclub, where energetic beats and a lively crowd create unforgettable nights in the city center.
Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
0.9 km
From refined cocktails to dawn-dancing beats, Marquee delivers Bristol's ultimate nightlife evolution in one stylish venue.
The Loco Klub
1.1 km
An atmospheric subterranean arts venue in Brunel’s Temple Meads arches, where tunnels, brick vaults and intimate soundscapes host club nights, theatre and live music.
La Rocca
1.2 km
A lively Clifton nightclub blending classic tunes, affordable drinks, and a vibrant social scene in Bristol’s dynamic nightlife district.
The Pearl NightClub
1.2 km
Bristol's intimate Clifton nightclub where fire DJs ignite weekend dance floors from 10pm till dawn—pure energy in a compact, electric space.
Bristol Lola Lo
1.2 km
An intimate, vintage‑Tiki nightclub in Clifton with neon cocktails, paper lanterns and a compact dancefloor for themed late‑night parties.
Lizard Lounge
1.3 km
A small, loud student nightclub on Queens Road famed for cheap drinks, DJ nights and a packed, party-first atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly