Full Court Press — Restaurant in Bristol

In this series of blog posts we discuss some of our favourite local cafes. Up today is the brilliant Full Court Press on Broad Street, Bristol.

Full Court Press has built up a reputation as one of the best coffee shops in Bristol. The slightly abstract name refers to a basketball tactic: an uncompromising, all out approach that reflects their commitment to the quality of their coffee and customer service. Located in Broad Street in the city centre, it’s a popular coffee spot that caters for local workers, shoppers and tourists alike. Thankfully, they have an incredibly skilled, knowledgeable and efficient team of baristas who make it look easy!

We turned up on a cold winter morning, made our way to the counter and noticed the drinks menu on the wall to the left. We studied it closely and the polite barista asked if she could help at all. She explained that the menu changed regularly, as Full Court Press roasted their own coffee beans and also worked with other Bristol coffee roasters. On offer today were espresso options from Ecuador and Rwanda, and filter coffee from Rwanda and Colombia. We opted for the Rwandan espresso with milk and asked for a latte.

In order to follow the rules (Boris – hope you’re reading this…) and maximise Covid safety, most of the seating within Full Court Press has temporarily been removed, so we made our way to a small bench near one of the front windows to wait for our drink. We took in our surroundings: a nice display of brewing equipment, bags of coffee beans (including options from some of our favourite Bristol coffee roasters), and plants. The bar was also overlooked by an eye-catching stained-glass window. Soon enough, our coffee was ready and we made our way to the outdoor seating area.

It was great! Hot and rich enough that you could really taste the flavours. You will be able to buy a cheaper coffee in Bristol but in our opinion a cup from Full Court Press is worth paying that bit extra. They roast their own beans and work with other Bristol coffee roasters, helping contribute to the local economy and the diversity that’s so important in our city. Full Court Press also offer a selection of pastries and cakes that we’ll try on our next visit!

#FullCourtPress #Bristolcoffeeroasters #shoplocal #thelocalcoffeeclub...

Quite the place! Outstanding cafè in the heart of Bristol!

I arrived at Full Court Press on a rainy morning as the first stop of a motorcycle trip. I was drenched top to bottom, and quite discomforted. The service I received and the coffees literally got me back on track and fully energised!

The coffees: I tried both espressos (Rwanda and Guatemala); they had distinct character, recognisable taste notes, and especially the Rwanda had a clean and vibrant mouthfeel, while the Guatemalan one was more creamy and surely dialled in to go well with milk too. The filter coffee selection is vaste, picking from a few fresh ones and a frozen menu. I had an Ethiopian from the Geisha Village; it was brewed to perfection using a clever dripper and a quirky hot water dispenser. Lovely cup of fruity juice!! I also bought their own roasted Colombian Gesha to take with me for the rest of the trip, and had delicious aeropress out of it.

The service: as soon as I entered the place I felt a very welcoming atmosphere, which was confirmed by the baristas offering me help to dry my dump clothes (by taking a stove from the back room), recommending the nearby St Nicks Market as a place where to get some hot food, and entertaining with quality coffee chats while of course brewing fantastic coffees for me and the many other who popped by during the two hours I spent there. I could see the care put into preparing every single cup; no one was served a less than excellent coffee.

I wanted to visit this place for a long time, and as I finally did it I am pleased it was a memorable...

Bristol has a number of top-notch coffee shops that would grace any city in the country and Full Court Press has leapt right in there with the best of them. Owner Mat has created something special here and from the moment you walk through the door, you know you are going to get some special coffee. He's also created a magical space in which to drink your coffee.

Two white boards on the walls behind the large counter list a choice of four coffee beans, along with tasting notes and preparation methods. Unusually, Full Court Press has no preferred roaster, and while that may change when things settle down, currently each of the four beans is from different a roaster and regularly change. It's also got some delicious cakes from the wonderful Hart's Bakery.

However, you don't have to be a coffee specialist to appreciate Full Court Press. Mat and his staff are very friendly and engaging. If the mass of information on the boards behind the counter makes no sense, tell them what you want and they'll guide you through the process. Then sit...