The story
BOX-E is the realisation of a long-held dream by Tess and Elliott, built around a "shit-hot stove" named Sandra. Set in a pair of green shipping containers on the top deck of Wapping Wharf, Bristol, this intimate spot has been serving seasonal Modern British cooking for well over eight years.
The story began with a joint savings account and a joke about buying a stove for their own restaurant. After years of dreaming, chef Elliott — who worked his way up to head chef at the Michelin-starred L'ortolan and spent four years at the Empress in East London, earning two AA rosettes and a Michelin Bib Gourmand — returned to the West Country with Tess to open BOX-E.
The menu changes with the seasons, reflecting Elliott's craft and dedication. The restaurant's ethos is rooted in having a positive impact on the industry and community, a founding driver that remains central to their work. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with outdoor seating on the container deck and a carefully chosen wine list.
BOX-E has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand, awarded for good quality, good value cooking. This recognition underscores the consistency and skill that Tess and Elliott bring to their shipping-container kitchen. It's a testament to the fact that you don't need a grand dining room to deliver exceptional Modern British food — just a hot stove, a clear vision, and a love for the craft.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
good quality, good value cooking
Tucked behind Root on the first floor of Cargo (Bristol's shipping-container foodie mecca), this chipboard-clad micro-eatery has more than doubled its covers since converting its terrace to an outdoor dining area. Although you can no longer perch at the pass, all 14 of the indoor seats are close enough to see the sweat on chef Elliott Lidstone's brow as he turns out classic, refined modern food from his cupboard-sized kitchen. Front-of-house duties are cheerfully overseen by partner Tess and regulars are enthusiastic about the 'passion' and 'love' that goes into every aspect of this small, independent business. Unless you go for the excellent-value, seven-course 'unwritten' tasting menu (£55), there's a limited choice of seasonal dishes, all of which focus on what's best to eat right now. An early autumn visit might involve a starter of charred hispi cabbage, smoked trout and lemon butter, perhaps followed by hake with borlotti beans, yellow courgettes and sumac or immaculately cooked breast of duck with wild rice, autumn greens and brilliant little flavour bombs of punchy pickled turnip. Puddings usually include the 'legendary' vanilla panna cotta (a favourite with regulars), adorned on a recent visit with caramelised figs and Pedro Ximénez. The drinks list offers far more choice – where do they store the bottles? – with a focus on organic and sustainable wines and plenty by the glass. While there's no charge for the deliciously crusty home-baked bread and carafes of sparkling water, the bill does contain a £1 donation to a regularly changing local charity.
Location
Instagram
X