Anyone who follows my Bristol eating escapades will know that I have long been a fan of The Standard group.
Perhaps it is my personal preference, but I love the stripped-back, modern, industrial style look of their venues, how they showcase and promote local beers, coffee roasters and artists. The menu truly has something for everyone, whether you visit on date night, with family or a group of friends. The relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect place to stop in for lunch, after work drinks or cocktails with the girls, lazy weekend brunches and not to mention, the banging Sunday roasts.
So, you can imagine my enthusiasm when I learned that the bar and kitchen were going to open a premises in Exeter. The city, slowly but surely seems to have shifted focus from being chain-led and commercial to people favouring independent businesses, with a small influx of them popping up across town. Living in Bristol now, we are spoilt with new openings week by week, but to see this at home, really did get me excited.
The new restaurant sits just atop of South Street, next to the Beer Cellar and has an outside area near the rear which overlooks the cathedral green; perfect for cosy winter nights and glorious long summer days. The venue has three floors, with the top one providing a great private space for meetings or parties.
It’s the little details within South Street Standard that will catch your eye, the artwork dotted around (which is all for sale should it take your fancy) hand-picked by Dom Wood, one of the directors. The neon sign overlooking the bar, the freehand graffiti which takes over the wall at the back of the restaurant and some of the original features which were uncovered during the refit.
Down to the nitty gritty then, the menu. What you can expect is seasonal small plates, larger sharing boards, sandwiches and wraps, plus mighty mains. There are plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options to suit as well. I can highly recommend the Standard’s signature dirty mac ‘n’ cheese, the meat and fish sharing boards and the brunch plates. Local beers are on tap but these will change regularly and The Standard’s own collaboration with Arbor Ale (the ‘Double Standard’) is a wonderful drop, and I’m not even much of a beer drinker. Seasonal changing cocktails are also available as well as a large selection of wine and spirits which are all visible behind the bar.
I often rave to my family and friends back in Exeter about the many wonderful places to eat and drink within Bristol, so I’m really looking forward to them being able to visit one of my favourite places which are now right on their doorstep.
Twitter: @SouthStStandard
Instagram: @southststandard
Facebook: South Street Standard
