The Everyday Review: Feast On Festival Bristol
This July, we were lucky enough to be invited to Feast On, Bristol’s biggest, independent food festival. We were delighted to dine and relish in the collective joy of food for foods sake and to meet so many likeminded people and local talent.
With over 30 local restaurants and traders on the line-up, this year was even bigger than their first. From fresh oysters to vegan loaded kebabs and knife cut noodles, Feast On is an event for everyone, and is a chance to try Bristol’s trending, and tried and true, restaurants.
Our very own Food editor, that’s me, bravely, sampled as they could, before heading to the produce market, for even more goodies... But, first lets talk about the food…
First up was Pizza is Lovely, serving vegan and vegetarian Detroit style pizza by the slice. We opted for the ‘Streets of Detroit’, a red topped, heavy based pizza with vegan parmesan and fresh basil. The generous ladle of tomato sauce on top managed to soak into the thick, hearty dough perfectly. Classic of Detroit style pizza, the edges of the square base were crispy, cheesy and doused in garlic oil to finish. This was a 10/10 option, especially as we wanted to try a good few dishes.
Next, a true Bristol classic, especially in the vegan food scene, Koocha Mezze. We went for their most famous and beloved dish, vegan oyster wings, drizzled with a tangy buffalo sauce. Known by many as ‘meat-eater’ approved, these wings are the perfect dupe, crispy and battered in a house-blend of Iranian spices.
Their first time at Feast On, Koocha serve plant based Persian cuisine such as mixed grills and small plates like falafel, vegetable fritters and an abundance of hearty, tomato-based stews. Especially curated for Feast On, Koocha sold their signature kebabs and loaded fries with cheese and generous slices of seitan.
Don’t be fooled, a large section of the festival included grilled meats and BBQ, from the likes of Pasture and Jolly Hog, alongside open fire cooking from Ubuntu Food. Ubuntu Food specialise in fire cooking and celebrate the joy of eating as a collective, outdoors, by the fire. Many enjoyed the spectacle of the open fire, and in true summer tradition, slow cooked, smoked meats, including craft sausages from Bristol’s own Sosij.
Lastly, we tried Gourmet Warriors’ jackfruit birria tacos, soft shell tacos stuffed with marinated jackfruit, red onion, coriander and lots of gooey cheese. For £12 we got 3 generously loaded tacos, including the birria sauce which came in a huge pot, perfect for dunking.
Aside from the food, Feast On offered wine tasting, cooking demonstrations, food sustainability talks, local musicians and DJs.
The entire feel of Feast On is all about classic summertime fun (think bunting, string lights, teepees and even a swing carousel). There were plenty of benches for families and friends, and some towards the further ends of the festival for those in need of a quiet moment.
Unmissably, the produce market stood at the entrance, beckoning the festival goers with delights from local traders such as Freddie’s Flowers, Payst and Somerset Charcuterie. As one does, we snaffled a good few tasters, thank you Salsa Stories… These lovely lot offer an impressive variety of dips, from Beetroot salsa to butterbean hummus. You can find them at many local markets, namely the Tobacco Factory Market and Frome Independent.
Like last year, we picked up a bottle of hot sauce from Easton Chilli, specifically their Sunray bottle: kumquat, habanero and scotch bonnet. Wow. Maybe too ambitious for this poor food editor, but the fruity layers, from both the yellow habanero and the kumquat, pack an intense, zesty flavour that is deliciously, naturally sweet and very hot!
After a full day and even fuller bellies, Feast On 2025 was over. We’re curious to see what next year brings, especially after the scale up of this year. Tickets for 2026 are on sale now @bristol.feaston.co.uk. We cannot wait to see the city eat together once more, until then Bristol.
Review by food editor of the Everyday Magazine, Amelia Ling
Photo Credit, Feast On
