Peter M.
Yelp
About 8 or 10 years ago Bristol Airport was dragged screaming into the modern era via a massive rebuilding programme that has enabled it to carry some 8 million passengers a year. It is beginning to show the strain.
Park on site if you can; better still, reserve it online as far in advance as possible. Avoid the Silver Park. If you use Silver, you may as well park with one of the cheaper, independent satellite parks around the airport, as they all take your keys from you and bus you in.
Booking in is still good. For example, Easyjet have up to 15 desks to service a single, consolidated queue, which consequently always moves quickly.
There's but a single coffee bar outside passport control, so you may as well go through straight away. But don't expect too much comfort or value for money once you're in the departure lounges. Here is an overview of what's available.
The old Voyagers Bar has gone (it used to be full of friendly travellers having a pint of lager and a fag before flying, but of course all that has changed). In its place is the ZAKUSA SEAFOOD BAR, CAVIAR HOUSE AND PRUNIER: this is an outrageous ripoff, and I think they've got it completely wrong. The majority of people who use Bristol are travelling on limited budgets and are looking for value for money. Zakusa's offerings include: 6 Oysters @ £15; Seafood Platter £23; Norwegian Smoked Salmon £17; Crab Salad £18; 125gr Caviar £335 - yes £335; 'Vodka & Caviar Shot' £16; Spanish Ham & Crusty Bread £22; 125ml glass of Sancerre £6.25. I could go on, but suffice to say it was empty apart from a single chap who was sipping a glass of something. It won't last.
Around the corner THE SOHO COFFEE COMPANY tries hard to give value for money, with a selection of pastries, rolls, baguettes, crisps and soft drinks. On the whole, pretty unappetising but if you must consume food at Bristol, use this place.
THE ECHO MUSIC BAR is a large area with two separate bars serving beers, wines and spirits, and a selection of bar meals with starters £3 to £7 and mains all @ £6.49. It is staffed entirely by foreign persons, some of whom have great difficulty in understanding what you are saying. The queues are interminable, the food lousy, the drink prices high. Don't go there.
Further along, BURGER KING has the usual junk starting @ £4.99.
My tip is to save your hunger and thirst to be satisfied at your destination. Take a few snacks along from home, ahead of the trip, if you think you'll need sustenance before the flight.