ART ON SHOW AT NEW BRISTOL RESTAURANT

The first art has gone on show at the new Steak of the Art restaurant, which officially opened last week on Bristol's Harbourside.

To introduce the new art gallery a display of contemporary affordable art to suit many tastes has gone on show with art lovers able to browse the paintings by some of the country's top artists. Five pieces have already been reserved by purchasers.

Owner Steve Bowen said: "The art gallery is separate to the restaurant area so people can come in and look around the paintings, which are all for sale.

"This first exhibition was just to get us up and running and we have deliberately combined styles and artists so that it is a thought-provoking and exciting mix. We plan to showcase individual artists, genres and showcase local talent in the future.

"We are also looking for Bristol artists who are ready and willing to be creative live in the restaurant in front of diners. We have a wall that we have set aside that we want to be an ever-changing live demonstration of different art styles. In time we will be looking to showcase more and more local talent.

"A number of artists have been involved in creating the restaurant with a Moulin Rouge room and booths representing some famous moments in art history. We aim to be a venue for performance art as well so it is not just about what is hanging on the walls."

Steak of the Art is open from 11 am every day and is just off Anchor Road behind the Hargreaves Lansdown headquarters. More information can be found at www.steakoftheart.co.uk.