REVIEW: Pizza at The Stable and pudding at Flavalanche

I had a bit of an awesome Friday recently. Aside from a slight toddler vomiting incident, which we will figuratively and almost quite literally brush under the carpet, I had what for me is a near perfect day.

It basically consisted of one meal after another all day long.

Actually, to be fair, there were other elements. First off was a very successful breakfast meeting, in which I managed to sound convincing enough to secure myself some training work, so that was an excellent start. Then I headed off into town to meet Purple Mum and her lovely daughter to check out The Stable, the new pizza and cider place on the Harbourside.

That’s right, pizza and cider. Two of any Bristolian’s favourite things surely?

Here we are see. (That’s not me).

It felt pretty quiet for a Friday lunchtime, but then we did arrive at midday in true ‘parent of young children so must eat as soon as is socially acceptable’ style, and it was busier by the time we left. We ordered at the bar, and I was helped to choose a cider. (Yes it was only midday, but I had to have a cheeky half, if only for research purposes.)

There were plenty of lighter lunch time options on the menu but I felt we really should go for the full pizza experience. I loved the imagination that had clearly gone into the menu, and the way it was made to feel local, with pizzas like the ‘Clifton Suspender’. I went for a Lamb Roast, as I can honestly say I don’t think I have ever had lamb on a pizza before, and Ella had the Avonmouth Angler, which came covered in lovely big bits of mackerel and salmon.

Our pizza arrived on wooden boards with pizza cutters and mine was absolutely delicious – a lovely thin and crispy base with plenty of topping and great flavours. I would have liked to have tried the cider tasting board – five one third pints of different cider – but thought this might scupper my plans somewhat for the rest of the day, which involved driving to pick up Belle from school.

Next step then after the school run was Flavalanche. Flavalanche has been a big hit since it opened on Park Street recently, and we must have been in half a dozen times already at least. It’s a young child’s dream – serve yourself frozen yoghurt and rows and rows of delicious toppings – although potentially scary for grown-ups as you help yourself and pay by weight!

What I like about Flavalanche is that although they might not look it, they are actually a local, independent company, who make all of their yoghurt themselves from scratch. They are hugely passionate about their flavours, which is clear in the taste, especially the natural yoghurt and natural mandarin flavour. If you want a bit more sweetness, peanut butter and cheesecake are two of our favourites.

Frozen yoghurt is a much healthier alternative to ice cream, and lower in fat and calories if you don’t pile it up with crushed Oreo biscuits and the like. Why you would not want to do that though I have no idea.

As you can see I am from the ‘more chocolate the better’ school of thought. I went for chocolate and strawberry frozen yoghurt and just one or *ahem* four toppings. although please note the strawberries. (I’m such a health freak

It was, as it always is, delicious. We sat on the bar stools at the window so that we could people watch as we scoffed our treats and the only thing that cast a slight shadow was that I may have broken the stool, as it kept sinking lower and lower as I sat on it. My bottom was clearly too much for it.

I blame Flavalanche for being just too tasty.

Disclosure – we were given two pizzas at The Stable free of charge for the purposes of this review but paid for our own sides and drinks. Flavalanche gave Belle and I free reign with their yoghurt machines and toppings – for research purposes only you understand…