The Cowshed bar and grill on Whiteladies Road is now open

for business.

The new independently-owned restaurant, which used to be the

Big Bang, opened for the first time Friday, Oct 23, after an extensive

refurbishment.

Owner Adam Denton (pictured above) said he has sunk every last penny into the

place which is employing 15 staff and is yet another new business opening on

Whiteladies Road.

It’s more great news for the area which is clearly now coming

out of the depths of the recession and more independent businesses such as Aqua,

RockFish, Papaji’s House of Teas and The Orchid are leading the way. (See previous Clifton People story on this issue)

Adam has worked in the drinks industry until now and has

lived in Bristol for the past 12 years.

He has teamed up with chef Adrian Jones who is charged with

delivering Adam’s vision, which is all about using the best of West Country

produce from beef, chickens and pigs, to veg and cheese for a thoroughly modern

British menu.

Adrian has worked with some of the best and most famous chefs

in the country including Gary Rhodes and Rick Stein.

Adam, who has been working alongside his wife to realise

their dream, said: “I’m really passionate about the sort of food that is in

this area, and what we are trying to do is bring what’s outside in here.

“At the front we’ve got stone flags on the floor, hand-made tables

that have tops like butchers blocks to create a farm house atmosphere, and

upstairs we have more of a manor house feeling.

“Downstairs there is a large table in the kitchen area,

which is right where it’s all happening for a lively bustling atmosphere.

“The beef is hung in chillers for people to see, and our

table staff will tell you what cuts we are using each day. There will always be

three cuts of beef, but the menu isn’t just steak, we have the best chicken

from the Cotswolds and Bath pigs as well as fish and lamb.

“Customers will be told about the food, where it has come

from and what cut it is, in the same way people are told about the quality and provenance

of wine at the table.

“Part of our mission statement, which is on the menu, is

that for us the important thing is knowing where and how food is produced.

“We focus on the quality of the farming or production

methods and the ethics and integrity of the grocer, breeder or supplier.

“And we’ve done the place out in a certain way so that people

don’t feel it’s just the same as everywhere else.”

The menu gives people the choice of several small plates if

they choose, depending on appetite, as well as sides, main courses and desserts

which are baked to order.

Reviews are welcome on Clifton People.

For more information about The Cowshed go to: www.thecowshedbristol.com or call the

restaurant on: 0117 973 3550.