Montpelier, Bristol

A particularly brutal week of cycling to work in sub-zero temperatures before 7am, to be met by moody teenagers and exam targets, was broken up nicely by a trip to my old patch, Montpelier.
Matt met me off the train at Bristol Temple Meads on Wednesday, and we headed straight towards the Thali cafe. It was a little early for dinner, so we popped across the road to the Beaufort for a drink first. It smelt strongly of wee. We ordered our drinks then sat watching Eggheads on TV as the barlady coughed loudly next to us.
Then to the lovely Thali cafe, which has changed since my last visit. They now serve meat, and have extended the restaurant beyond the cluttered front room into the back, which is now a spacious, pleasant dining room. There are four Thali cafes in Bristol, each one a different size but with a similar laid back ambience. I used to think it must be the easiest place to waitress, as most people order the same thing: a tray of pickles followed by a Northern Thali. It's delicious, and must be very cheap to make, as it consists of cheap ingredients such as rice, lentils, salad and spices. A winning formula, leaving diners full and satisfied. The menus vary slightly in each cafe, but basically consist of just a few dishes, and I imagine huge pots of lentils and rice on the go all night. They also do an eco-takeaway in the form of a tiffin, just like traditional lunchboxes in India, which can be refilled for cheaper than a usual takeaway.
I love the Thali. I also love Mela which is opposite the Thali cafe in Montpelier, a friendly takeaway which offers thali and many other dishes, at very low prices.
Nearby, most people have good things to say about Herbert's bakery, Bell's Diner (I always wonder how people feel eating an expensive meal as they look out at the bins and remains of bric-a-brac sales on the corner), Yogasara studios, Licata Italian supermarket, the Radford Mill Farm shop, Galliford Stores, and even the chippy on the corner. They all add something to the community feel, relaxed vibe, and slightly smug quality of Picton Street, Montpelier.
At first glance it may look a lot like a crowded, scruffy street strewn with rubbish, but this week Montpelier saved my sanity and carried me safely through to the half term break.