Bulrush – Bristol’s Intimate Michelin-Starred Tasting Menu Experience
A Michelin-starred tasting menu in a former greengrocer’s – inventive, intense, and unforgettable modern British cooking in Bristol’s Cotham.
Tucked away in a former greengrocer’s shop in Cotham, Bulrush is a Michelin-starred fine-dining gem where chef-owner George Livesey crafts inventive, modern British tasting menus with subtle Scandi and Japanese influences. The unassuming exterior belies a world of intense, layered flavours, where humble ingredients are transformed into artful, multi-course journeys. Though the space is modest and the atmosphere understated, the food consistently earns acclaim for its originality, precision, and bold combinations. Ideal for food lovers seeking a memorable, intimate meal in a relaxed neighbourhood setting.
A brief summary to Bulrush
- 21 Cotham Rd S, Bristol, Cotham, BS6 5TZ, GB
- +441173290990
- Visit website
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Luxury
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 6 pm-7:30 pm
- Wednesday 6 pm-7:30 pm
- Thursday 6 pm-7:30 pm
- Friday 12 pm-1:30 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-1:30 pm
Local tips
- Book well in advance, especially for weekend dinners, as seating is limited and the restaurant is highly sought after.
- Allow at least 3–4 hours for the full tasting menu experience, including amuse-bouche, bread, and petits fours.
- Be open to adventurous combinations – the menu often features unfamiliar ingredients and bold flavour pairings.
- Consider the optional cheese course if you enjoy cheese, but note it is an additional supplement to the tasting menu.
- Arrive with an appetite; portions are small but numerous, and the meal is designed as a continuous, evolving journey.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Bulrush location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Bulrush
A Hidden Gem in a Former Greengrocer’s
Nestled on Cotham Road South in Bristol, Bulrush occupies a former greengrocer’s shop, its low-key exterior belying the culinary excellence within. The dining room is long and narrow, with cream walls, exposed kitchen at the back, and a no-frills, lived-in feel that deliberately puts the focus on the plate rather than the decor. There’s no grand chandelier or designer furniture; instead, the charm lies in its authenticity and intimacy, a neighbourhood bolthole where serious cooking happens in a relaxed, unpretentious setting. Despite its modest appearance, Bulrush has earned a Michelin star, cementing its status as one of Bristol’s most respected fine-dining destinations.Chef-Driven Modern British with Global Twists
The kitchen is led by chef-owner George Livesey, a veteran of London’s St John and Club Gascon, whose cooking blends modern British foundations with subtle Scandinavian and Japanese influences. His tasting menus, typically ranging from six to nine courses, are built around seasonal, often humble ingredients elevated through technique, fermentation, and thoughtful pairings. Expect dishes like Jerusalem artichoke chawanmushi with crispy shreds, delicate crab tarts in crisp brik pastry, and rich, nose-to-tail duck preparations that showcase offal and lesser-used cuts with finesse. The cooking is inventive without being gimmicky, balancing intensity of flavour with clarity and balance.A Multi-Course Journey of Flavour and Texture
Diners at Bulrush are treated to a carefully paced tasting menu that unfolds over several hours, beginning with a pre-dinner consommé or amuse-bouche and progressing through a sequence of small, highly composed plates. Early courses often feature seafood, vegetables, and offal in unexpected but harmonious combinations, while later dishes may include roasted or barbecued meats, fermented grains, and complex sauces. Bread service, often featuring house-made sourdough with rich accompaniments like Montgomery cheddar cream or wagyu fat, is a highlight in itself. The experience is designed to surprise and delight, with textures ranging from silky custards and foams to crunchy shards and tender, slow-cooked meats.Dessert, Coffee, and the Final Impressions
The meal typically concludes with a dessert course that continues the theme of creativity and precision, such as rhubarb and rose crème brûlée or anise and blueberry sorbet with spruce and elderflower. These are followed by petits fours and coffee, rounding off a meal that can easily last three to four hours. While the space is compact and the atmosphere more focused than theatrical, the warmth of the service and the evident pride in the food create a convivial, celebratory mood. Many guests leave not just full, but genuinely surprised by the depth of flavour and originality packed into each course.Practicalities for a Special Occasion Meal
Bulrush operates on a reservation-only basis, with limited lunch and dinner sittings on select days of the week. The tasting menu is the main offering, with prices reflecting its Michelin-starred status, and bread, wine, and optional extras like cheese courses adding to the total. The restaurant is best suited for those who appreciate a long, immersive dining experience rather than a quick bite. Given its size and popularity, booking well in advance is essential, especially for weekend slots. While the surroundings are unassuming, the experience is anything but ordinary, making it a standout choice for food lovers and special occasions in Bristol.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bristol Rocks
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The Nails
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Old Post Office
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St Mary Le Port Church
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Statue of Edmund Burke
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Bristol Castle
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Medieval Vaults
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Old City Walls
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Bristol Bridge
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A historic stone bridge spanning Bristol’s Floating Harbour, linking the Old City with Redcliffe and centuries of the city’s story.
Fermentation Buildings
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Historic England - Bristol Office
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Cascade Steps
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Royal Talbot Buildings
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King George V Memorial Fountain
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Guided Walking Tour - From Blackbeard to Banksy
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Unmissable attractions to see
St James' Priory
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The Bearpit
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Christmas Steps
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John Wesley's New Room
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The Christmas Steps
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The Lanes
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Bristol’s ultimate destination for boutique bowling, live music, karaoke, and great pizza in a lively, vibrant setting.
St John's Church
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A medieval church built into Bristol’s city walls, St John on the Wall is the last of five gate churches, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s fortified past and spiritual life.
Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre
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The Red Lodge Museum
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Bristol Shopping Quarter
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Alcotraz Bristol: Cell Block Two-Two-Six
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Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
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BRISTOL
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Broadmead: Bristol’s bustling historic shopping quarter blending heritage charm with vibrant retail and cultural experiences.
Clifton Cocktail Club
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A tucked-away basement cocktail bar in Clifton serving crafted, table-service drinks and intimate late-night evenings.
Wills Memorial Building
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A towering neo-Gothic icon of Bristol and the heart of the University of Bristol’s academic and ceremonial life.
Essential places to dine
Bulrush
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A Michelin-starred tasting menu in a former greengrocer’s – inventive, intense, and unforgettable modern British cooking in Bristol’s Cotham.
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The Canteen
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Muiño
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Wilson's Restaurant
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Bianchis
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Bravas
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Harbour Kitchen & Bar
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Bambalan
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The Ox
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San Carlo - Bristol
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Lost & Found Bristol
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Blaze
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Soukous
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Wild Thing
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The Ethical Gift Shop
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Unique Word Collection
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Clifton Down Shopping Centre
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Bristol's Clifton hub: supermarkets, shops, coffee, and convenience right by the station on leafy Whiteladies Road.
Everything one pound shop
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Garmden of Eden
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Inca
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Hyde & Co
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Lizard Lounge
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The Pearl NightClub
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La Rocca
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Antix
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OMG
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Thekla
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
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
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly