St James Priory, Bristol
St James Priory
St James Priory
5
About
St James Priory is the oldest church in Bristol dating from 1129.Originally a Benedictine Priory it has survived the ravages of change,the Reformation,wars and time. St James still survives as a jewel in the crown of Bristol. Although hidden away it is a haven of peace and serenity in the middle of the city centre. Between 2009 and 2011the church was completely renovated and restored following a grant of £3.2 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. A warm, friendly and relaxing cafe adjoins the Church at the east end.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
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Contribute
5.0
82 reviews
Excellent
67
Very good
14
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Richard M
Leamington Spa, UK37 contributions
Jun 2021 • Business
Great food. Friendly staff. Central location.
What’s not to like?
I had lunch - the salads were fresh and tasty.
Really can’t fault it.
What’s not to like?
I had lunch - the salads were fresh and tasty.
Really can’t fault it.
Written 7 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
baz653
London, UK90 contributions
Sep 2020
lovely old priory by a park where you can chill out and picnic .not far from the old fish market few drunken people and street sleepers there sad to see that
Written 23 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Maggie G
Kokkola, Finland104 contributions
Feb 2020
St James Priory, the oldest surviving building in Bristol (1129) is situated on a very busy road-roundabout network and is an oasis of peace and tranquility. It is a stunningly beautiful Norman building whose history you can read on its website. It still provides a place of calm and refuge for those who seek it in a busy multicultural city, offering the chance for feeding of the body in the cafe, and feeding of the spirit in the church. The work that is done there by a small group of people to keep the building in good repair and in good heart is more than commendable. Its website describes it as a place of Healing, Heritage and Hospitality. In the true spirit of the Benedictines who built it, its central tenets have not changed in 900 years. I will return again and again.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Caroline S
Cheltenham, UK98 contributions
Feb 2020
This was a real find. Arrived at Bristol Bus Station, after a few days in Glastonbury with half an hour between bus and onward coach, and set off to find a café which would fill my flask.
The first place I encountered was St James Priory, which I had never noticed before but which is the oldest building in Bristol (12th century). Seeing they had a café (yippee), I entered through the church door and rustled down the aisle in my waterproof trousers, following the signs to the café.
The food looked scrumptious and the cakes very imaginative (gluten and dairy-free Almond and Cardamom!), but I didn’t have time to eat. The lady on duty filled my flask with a single shot milky latte (and gave me a discount for ‘having my own cup’) – and it proved to be one of the most delicious lattes I have had anywhere.
I left by another door, only to discover that the café entrance is just a stone’s throw away from the main door of the bus station. What a fabulous discovery after years of braving their ghastly cafes (and now there isn't one at all). I will definitely be back, not just to sample the food, but also to spend time in the lovely peaceful Priory church.
The first place I encountered was St James Priory, which I had never noticed before but which is the oldest building in Bristol (12th century). Seeing they had a café (yippee), I entered through the church door and rustled down the aisle in my waterproof trousers, following the signs to the café.
The food looked scrumptious and the cakes very imaginative (gluten and dairy-free Almond and Cardamom!), but I didn’t have time to eat. The lady on duty filled my flask with a single shot milky latte (and gave me a discount for ‘having my own cup’) – and it proved to be one of the most delicious lattes I have had anywhere.
I left by another door, only to discover that the café entrance is just a stone’s throw away from the main door of the bus station. What a fabulous discovery after years of braving their ghastly cafes (and now there isn't one at all). I will definitely be back, not just to sample the food, but also to spend time in the lovely peaceful Priory church.
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rickybear
Bristol, UK5,714 contributions
Oct 2019
Situated next to Bristol bus and coach station and Bristol hospitals. A lovely wholesome cafe for either coffee of lunch. Situated next to the priory church. I lovely church to sit quietly away from the busy noisy city centre.
Written 15 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Vanessa85Clevedon
Clevedon6 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
Definitely pop in if you're in the area. Cafe has a great range of delicious looking food and cakes!
Written 6 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Shahzad M
6 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
Building is amazing and very well managed. Must visit and enjoy the story behind.
A very fine painted black gate and cleared gullies
A very fine painted black gate and cleared gullies
Written 28 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Stephen O
Bristol, UK1 contribution
Jun 2019
Had a wonderful time here. Really beautiful building with lovely staff. Definitely visit if you’re nearby.
Written 26 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
geraldinebelcher
Bristol, UK8 contributions
Jun 2019 • Solo
Oldest building in the centre of Bristol right by the busy Bus Station & close to Bristol Royal Infirmary & surrounding hospitals. Lunchtime Mass some days. Beautiful church & adjoining cafe. Sympathetically restored & clearly well loved. A true peaceful oasis in the midst of busy streets. Cafe delightful. Homemade food. Great selection & well priced. A ‘Must See’ when visiting Bristol
Written 10 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Judy S
Harrogate, UK74 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
I found this little cafe quite by accident, en-route to the Coach Station, when a simple 'Cafe' sign directing me thro the Priory caught my eye! The atmosphere was relaxed and the food was all 'home-made' and very delicious! The cafe itself was very clean and the staff were friendly and the prices were very reasonable.
So - to everyone who is in the vicinity of Bristol Coach Station (it's actually only 2 minutes from the Coach Station doors): forget the 'chains' - where you get plastic food - and try this little cafe. You will be most surprised - trust me!
So - to everyone who is in the vicinity of Bristol Coach Station (it's actually only 2 minutes from the Coach Station doors): forget the 'chains' - where you get plastic food - and try this little cafe. You will be most surprised - trust me!
Written 4 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Frequently Asked Questions about St James Priory
- Hotels near St James Priory:
- (0.14 km) Premier Inn Bristol City Centre (Lewins Mead) Hotel
- (0.17 km) Premier Inn Bristol City Centre (Haymarket) Hotel
- (0.18 km) Travelodge Leicester Haymarket City Centre
- (0.14 km) Your Stay Bristol Hamilton Court
- (0.30 km) Hotel du Vin Bristol
- Restaurants near St James Priory:
- (0.12 km) Cafe Refectoire
- (0.17 km) Flow
- (0.14 km) Brewers Fayre
- (0.25 km) Taste of Napoli
- (0.17 km) Mayflower Chinese Restaurant