As autumn settles over the West of England, a rich tapestry of seasonal produce arrives at its peak, bringing depth and warmth to your dining experience. At The Square Club, our restaurant in Bristol, we take pride in curating our menus to showcase the finest seasonal ingredients.

This guide offers a deep dive into the autumnal harvest, highlighting why seasonal dining is more than just a trend – it’s a celebration of local produce and sustainable eating.

Why Seasonal Eating Matters

Seasonal eating ensures that ingredients are fresher, tastier, and packed with more nutrients. Supporting local farmers and producers in the West of England not only reduces the carbon footprint but also enriches the community. By sourcing and cooking with produce at its prime, we offer dishes that reflect the natural rhythm of the seasons. Our chefs hold this sentiment at the heart of their menu creation, liaising daily with local suppliers to ensure only the finest and freshest ingredients in the West make it onto your plates.

Top Seasonal Ingredients to Enjoy This Autumn in Bristol

1. Root Vegetables: Carrots, Parsnips, and Beetroot

As the days cool, hearty root vegetables reach their peak. Carrots, parsnips, and beetroot are sweet and versatile, lending themselves beautifully to roasts, stews, and purees. In our restaurant, we create comforting dishes such as spiced carrot and parsnip soup or roasted beetroot with goat’s cheese and walnuts.

I don’t know about you, but one of the best ways to enjoy seasonal root vegetables is alongside an enormous Sunday Roast. Our Sunday Set Menus come with all the trimmings as standard, including truffled cauliflower cheese and roasted seasonal veg with lashings of butter; truly the tastiest way to appreciate the season’s bounty.

2. Pumpkins and Squash

No autumn guide would be complete without pumpkins and their cousins. From butternut squash to kabocha, these autumn stars are perfect for both savoury and sweet dishes. Our chefs turn them into creamy pumpkin risottos, squash ravioli with sage butter, and even decadent pumpkin-spiced desserts.

3. Mushrooms

The forests of the West Country are rich with wild mushrooms during autumn. Foraged treasures like chanterelles, ceps, and oyster mushrooms bring a deep, earthy flavour to dishes. At the Square Club’s restaurant, we feature wild mushrooms in our small plates and a la carte mains.

4. Apples and Pears

Orchards across the region yield an abundance of apples and pears at this time of year. British varieties such as Bramley apples and Conference pears are perfect for baking, poaching, or adding a hint of sweetness to savoury dishes. We love using them in apple tarte Tatin, poached pears with cinnamon, or pairing them with pork for a quintessentially autumnal dish.

5. Cabbage, Kale, and Chard

Leafy greens come into their own during autumn, packed with vitamins and minerals. Kale and chard add a nutritious twist to salads, sides, and hearty mains. We often sauté chard with garlic and lemon as a vibrant accompaniment or use kale in warming soups and pasta dishes. Of course, we update our Sunday Roast offering to reflect the beauty of these seasonal beauties, including leafy buttered greens with our set menu.

6. Brussels Sprouts

These often-underappreciated vegetables are at their sweetest when the first frosts hit. We love to serve them roasted with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of toasted almonds or sautéed with chestnuts for a rich, nutty flavour.

Our Christmas Menu boasts sprouts that even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy!

7. Game Meats

Autumn is game season in the UK, offering rich, robust flavours perfect for slow-cooked dishes. Venison, pheasant, and wild duck feature on our autumn menu, paired with juniper berries, red wine reductions, or cranberry chutneys for a true seasonal feast.

Sustainability and Supporting Local Producers

Our dedication to seasonal dining is part of our commitment to sustainability. We work closely with Bristol’s local farms and suppliers to ensure our ingredients are as fresh and environmentally friendly as possible. By choosing seasonal produce, we reduce the need for long transportation, supporting both the planet and local farmers.

Autumn Dining at The Square Club

Visiting us means experiencing autumn on a plate. Our chefs are inspired by the season’s bounty and constantly create dishes that bring out the best in each ingredient.

If you’re looking to savour the best of Bristol’s seasonal produce, our restaurant is the perfect place to indulge. Celebrate the warmth, comfort, and rich flavours of autumn with us. Book a table today and experience how we bring the taste of the West Country’s harvest to your dining experience.

Book Now and Embrace Seasonal Dining

Embrace the season and join us for a meal that showcases the freshest ingredients autumn has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the joy of local, seasonal food.

Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply seeking a delightful dining experience, our seasonal approach promises a menu that evolves and reflects the best of Bristol’s produce. Come and taste why seasonal eating is at the heart of what we do.