Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. That awful moment when you are forced to face the consequences of the night before which escalated all too easily from a quiet drink at the local to something far less sensible. Then comes the realisation that whatever you had planned for the day must be abandoned and it will instead be a total write-off, dedicated to nursing that well-earned hangover. Thankfully, Bristol is a great place to be when one of these dreaded mornings rears its ugly head and this article will endeavour to guide you through your self-inflicted pain.
Brunch
The first thing on the agenda is to drag yourself out of bed and assemble the survivors from the night before together in one of the Bristol’s numerous cafés for a hearty brunch. Not only will this provide you with the opportunity to hear your friend’s tragic tales from the night before (making yours seem a bit less embarrassing), but a good fry up has been a trusted hangover cure for generations. Recommended spots are the Rubicon cafes in Cotham and Redland for their generous portions of an enviable cooked breakfast, The Bristolian in Stokes Croft for impressive vegetarian and vegan options, and Boston Tea Party who have locations all over the city and smoothies which are sure to revitalise you with some much needed nutrients.
Image credits: Bristol 24/7
Rubicon Too, 22 Cotham Hill, Bristol BS6 6LF. Opening times: 8am-6pm, daily.
Fresh Air
Now the next step may seem slightly counter-intuitive, but trust me, it works. Although it may be incredibly tempting to roll back into the comfort of your duvet, you will never move past the stage of questioning your life-choices if you do. The best thing to do right now is to go for a brisk walk in the fresh air. The Downs are the perfect spot for this as the beautiful views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge will take your mind off how bad you are feeling, at the very least. Take your friends, take your dog - this is a hangover activity for everyone.
Image credits: visitbristol.co.uk
The Bristol Downs, Stoke Rd, Bristol BS9 1FG. Open 24 hours, daily.
Get Cosy
That being said, England is not known for the predictability of its weather and it is just as likely to rain in June as it is in December. Saving the day in this instance are Bristol’s abundance of cinemas, perfect for avoiding responsibilities and the outside world. The Watershed on the harbour side continually shows a range of quirky, interesting films. The injection of culture will also make you feel a little less guilty when you inevitably end up lounging in front of some mindless TV. Alternatively, the luxurious Everyman cinema has recently re-opened on Whiteladies Road, offering a touch of class to hangover proceedings.
Image credits: visitbristol.co.uk
The Watershed, 1 Canon's Rd, Bristol BS1 5TX.
More Food
Finally, after being out of the house for far more hours than you thought necessary, nothing will sound better than some food and the sofa. Luckily, some of Bristol’s best junk food spots will deliver right to your front door. One of the best is The Burger Joint, a Bristol-based burger restaurant which creates burgers tailored to your exact tastes - the possibility of packing as many unhealthy favourites into one meal as possible is a hangover dream. Other great options are The Giggling Squid in Clifton and Ganesha Authentic Indian Cuisine if you have recovered enough to try something more adventurous.
Image credits: Time Out
The Burger Joint, 83 Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2NT. Opening times: Sunday to Tuesday: 12pm - 10pm, Wednesday to Thursday: 12pm - 10.30pm, Friday to Saturday: 12pm - 11pm.