When the sun sets at four in the afternoon to be replaced by nothing but sleet and howling gales and the average temperature barely peeks above freezing, there’s only one place to go – underground! Bristol is famed for it charismatic converted wine cellars and one conversion that has to be up there with the finest is Racks Bar and Kitchen on St Pauls Road in Clifton. In summer it’s got a sunny terrace for top-side BBQs and parties but as the cold weather draws in, you can’t help but be drawn underground to the fantastic warm bar with its low, curved ceilings.

As you navigate your way down the strong, stone steps into the quirky bar of Racks, you’re drawn in by the really warm vibe and glow of the open fireplace. Little rooms spawn little rooms creating a labyrinth of deliciously cosy corners which lend themselves ideally to intimate, relaxed drinks or the larger spaces are just as easily suited to bustling boozing with a fantastic, fun atmosphere – it’s a hard balance to strike but Racks pull it off brilliantly! They cater for both large and small parties and I can’t think of anywhere better to celebrate ‘His’ birthday or the bringing in of 2009!

The bar is friendly and busy, the perfect place to stop off for a drink after work or a post-tipple after a long day’s Christmas shopping. At the Racks bar this winter (back by popular demand!) is Leffe Blond on tap or why not try Bristol Beer Factory’s latest offering – Bristoltoe? Get it? I got it. Great ale…mmmmm…

The real treat has to be the food though. High quality meals prepared for all occasion and Christmas is no exception! We were lucky enough to get treated to the Christmas Menu and it did not disappoint. Delicious starters of minestrone soup or goat’s cheese wrapped in salmon where the perfect light introduction to the traditional Christmas feast to follow! Perfectly cooked turkey, scrumptious vegetables, pigs in blankets, gravy, cranberry sauce and all topped off with a Christmas pud, fudge cake or a generous and gorgeous cheese board. My mouth’s watering just thinking about it all again!

Best of all about our visit though was it was the first time this year that I really got that Christmas vibe – somewhere really friendly and warm, subtle Christmas songs playing in the background but never overpowering and a delicious slab of turkey and all the trimmings in front of me. It was hard to eat just because I was grinning so much.

www.racks-bristol.co.uk