First Look: The Coconut Tree Has Landed on Bristol Harbourside

Bristol Harbourside has a new arrival, and it’s bringing big Sri Lankan Street food flavours, colourful cocktails and plenty of atmosphere with it.

We recently headed along to the opening of The Coconut Tree Bristol Harbourside to get a first look and taste of the new venue and, as you’d expect from The Coconut Tree, this isn’t somewhere you visit for a quiet plate of food and a swift exit. It’s all about sharing & trying a bit of everything.

The new Harbourside location feels like a great fit for Bristol. It’s relaxed, lively and sociable, with that high energy vibe that makes you want to order another round of dishes and a few more cocktails!

Sri Lankan street food made for sharing

If you’re a Coconut Tree pro, you’ll know that the menu is built around Sri Lankan small plates, which basically gives you the perfect excuse to order far too much food.

And that’s really the way to do it.

Rather than everyone choosing one main, fill the table with dishes, get stuck in and discover a few new favourites along the way. You can expect plenty of spice, punchy flavours, curries, hoppers, rotis and street-food-inspired plates, with a good mix of meat, seafood, vegetarian and vegan options.

There’s something very enjoyable about eating this way, particularly with a group of friends, family or work mates. One minute you're passing plates around the table, the next you're trying to remember which dish everyone agreed was their favourite.

(Spoiler, there probably won't be just one!)

Then there’s the cocktails…

It wouldn't be a proper Coconut Tree visit without mentioning the INCREDIBLE drinks menu.

The cocktails are fun, colourful and very much part of the experience, they are exactly the sort of trendy, creative drinks that feel right at home overlooking Bristol Harbourside.

This is somewhere we can see becoming a popular spot for after-work drinks that accidentally turn into dinner, weekend catchups, pre/post theatre lunches or dinners, as well as date nights. It’s ideal for those occasions where you want somewhere that feels lively without being overly formal.

A special addition to Bristol Harbourside

What we liked most was that the new opening doesn't feel out of place.

Bristol does casual, independent-feeling, flavour-packed dining incredibly well, and The Coconut Tree's combination of Sri Lankan food, sharing plates, cocktails and laid-back atmosphere slots nicely into that.

The personality really comes through in the details, with bold artwork from local artist Conrico Steez bringing colour and character to the walls. We love that nod to the city’s creative scene; it makes the venue feel distinctly Bristol.

There’s more than food and cocktails on offer too. The dedicated darts zone adds another fun, social element, great if you’re coming with a group and fancy adding a little friendly competition to the evening

Whether you're spending the day exploring Bristol, heading out for drinks, meeting friends after work or looking for somewhere different for dinner, it's right in the middle of the action.

Our advice?

Go hungry. Take friends. Order more dishes than you think you need. And absolutely leave room for a cocktail (or three)!

Total Guide to Bristol’s verdict:

A fun, vibrant new addition to the Harbourside and one we'll be heading back to.

The Coconut Tree, Bristol Harbourside:

• Sri Lankan street food and sharing plates
• Cocktails
• Plenty of veggie and vegan choices
• Best enjoyed with a table full of friends