SUNCRAFT, BRISTOL

Suncraft is a newly opened, stylishly cheerful vegan (and mostly gluten-free) restaurant serving Asian-inspired dishes on independent-friendly Gloucester Road, from the same team behind Sunday roast favourite (and live music hub) The Gallimaufry, across the road.

With its bright yellow frontage, colourful tiles and prints, it’s an invitingly bright space with a street-foodmeets-diner feel. There’s a mix of big wooden tables with stools (communal style), smaller tables (made of recycled yogurt pots) with chairs, a glowing rack of plants opposite the open kitchen (it’s a self-regulating, pesticide-free hydroponics unit) and a small garden out the back.

You can eat in or take away from the short menu – expect just a handful of mains, sides and desserts. Wonderful swiss chard and black masala dumplings, with parsnip mash, for our main had just the right hit of warming spice, while a side of kohlrabi, carrot and green mango salad stood out for its crunch, lingering tropical taste and punch of garlic. For pudding, choose pancake stuffed with a dense, rich layer of pecan and cinnamon, topped with black sesame ice cream.

The chiller’s stocked with celebrated South West names: Wiper and True, Cotswold Brewing Company and Harry’s Cider. There are also brands that share Suncraft’s values (such as Purearth juices) plus coldpressed juices made fresh. There are just two wines on offer: one red, one white, both vegan, and supplied by Bristol-based Billings & Briggs. The white, a Côtes de Gascogne that’s also organic and biodynamic is a must-try – brilliantly crisp and gooseberry-sharp.