Fine dining meets flight at the Bristol Balloon Fiesta

Masters of fire‑led fine dining, Pasture will once again run an on‑site restaurant from its enviable position on the edge of the balloon launch field at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. 

Image: Pasture restaurant at Bristol Balloon Fiesta 

From Friday 7 to Sunday 9 August, visitors can pre‑book breakfast, dinner, and late‑evening dining, giving them the chance to enjoy exceptional food with front‑row views of Bristol’s iconic balloons; whether taking flight during the mass ascents or lighting up in sequence to music during the Night Glow. 

A specially curated menu will showcase Pasture signatures including short rib croquettes with gochujang aioli, slow‑smoked dry‑aged picanha with chimichurri and peppercorn sauce, fire‑roasted carrot with whipped tofu, smoked maple and chickpea shawarma, and an epic Eton mess with fresh summer berries, elderflower, chantilly and meringue. 

Beyond the canvas of the stretch‑tent restaurant, Pasture’s sister outfit, Prime, will offer grab‑and‑go barbecue from a dedicated pitch adjacent to the main restaurant, with a second Prime service exclusively for hospitality guests in the Fiesta’s Sky Lounge. Expect hot‑off‑the‑grill burgers, wings, and Pasture classics, no booking required. 

The main Pasture restaurant will serve breakfast from 7am daily, opening from 5.45am for early risers to enjoy coffee under canvas while watching the morning mass ascents. Tables for up to six diners can be booked from 7am through to 11.30am.  

From 12pm to 4pm, the restaurant opens on a first‑come, first‑served basis, allowing visitors to grab BBQ dishes from Prime and settle in for a relaxed afternoon overlooking the arena. 

From 5pm on Friday and Saturday, Pasture offers a two‑course dinner service at a set price and service time, with tables for up to six guests. Diners can enjoy a selection of Pasture favourites while taking in the evening mass ascent, weather permitting. 

For the ultimate Fiesta experience, the Night Glow dinner begins at 8pm on Friday and Saturday. Guests are welcomed with a glass of bubbly before being served four exquisite courses featuring Pasture favourites and dishes created exclusively for the event, ahead of witnessing the famous Night Glow as more than two dozen hot air balloons illuminate the arena in time to music. 

Sam Elliot, chef & owner at Pasture, commented: “The Fiesta has quickly become a staple in our annual calendar. There’s nothing like cooking up a storm on the coals while watching a mass ascent, and seeing customers savour the tastes, smells, sounds and views of this unique setup. Extending our offer to include two on‑site Prime takeaway services felt like a natural way to serve even more of our classics to the crowds.” 

Ben Hardy, Executive Director, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, added: “It’s been a brilliant addition to the Fiesta to offer a fine‑dining experience within the event programme. Sam and the team have completely embraced the spirit of the weekend, and we look forward to their incredible food keeping visitors fuelled for the early starts and late finishes.” 

Beyond Pasture’s restaurant, the Fiesta offers a range of hospitality options. Sky Lounge, the event’s public hospitality area, sits right beside the arena with clear views of the launch field. Under a stretch tent, visitors can enjoy a comfortable base for the day with complimentary wi‑fi, private toilets, a dedicated cash bar, vintage games, and unobstructed views of the mass ascents and Night Glow. 

For those wanting to experience the magic of the Night Glow up close, the Fiesta once again offers Night Glow Launch Field Access. With limited availability, these tickets allow visitors to step inside the ballooning arena and walk among the illuminated balloons during this one‑of‑a‑kind spectacle. 

The Fiesta is free to attend, but visitors must purchase car‑parking tickets in advance if they plan to drive.  

Hospitality tickets, including Pasture dining, Sky Lounge access, and Launch Field Access, are available now at bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk. 

For the latest news and updates follow the Fiesta’s social media channels, @bristolballoon on Instagram and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta on Facebook.