North Meets South as Bristol Food Legends Join Forces

Bristol's thriving independent food and drink scene has gained another exciting collaboration, as Psychopomp Microdistillery and the much-loved Sonny Stores have teamed up to create a unique destination where outstanding spirits meet exceptional seasonal food.

The partnership brings together two of the city's best-known independent names, linking North Bristol with Southville in a celebration of local creativity, craftsmanship and flavour. 

Visitors to Psychopomp's recently reopened bar on St Michael's Hill can now enjoy a specially curated menu from Sonny Stores alongside the distillery's award-winning small-batch spirits and inventive cocktails.

It's a collaboration that feels like a natural fit. Sonny Stores has earned an enviable reputation for simple, ingredient-led cooking that lets quality produce shine, while Psychopomp has become one of Britain's most innovative craft distilleries thanks to its bold and experimental approach to creating spirits.

The new menu takes inspiration from the Venetian tradition of cicchetti – small plates packed with flavour and designed to accompany drinks. Diners can expect an ever-changing selection that celebrates the seasons while perfectly complementing the distillery's handcrafted spirits.

Tempting dishes include Pork Collar Cold Cuts, indulgent Fried Gorgonzola Sandwiches, Hot Smoked Pork Ribs with Jalapeños, and seafood favourites including Clams and Scallops with Pancetta. Larger sharing plates will also make appearances, ensuring there's plenty to tempt visitors whether they're popping in for a cocktail or settling in for a leisurely evening.

Psychopomp founder Liam Hirt, a former cardiologist who also established Circumstance Distillery, believes the partnership adds an exciting new dimension to the venue.

He says the team has always believed great spirits deserve equally great food, and that Sonny Stores' seasonal, unfussy cooking perfectly matches their philosophy of flavour and craftsmanship.

Meanwhile, Sonny Stores founder and head chef Pegs Quinn says the menu has been designed around bold flavours that work beautifully with what's in the glass, creating an experience inspired by the relaxed food-and-drink culture of Venetian wine bars.

The collaboration also highlights everything that makes Bristol's independent hospitality scene so special. Rather than competing, two respected local businesses have chosen to work together, creating something neither could offer alone while giving visitors another reason to explore one of the UK's most exciting food cities.

Whether you're a fan of expertly distilled spirits, seasonal cooking or simply discovering brilliant independent venues, this new partnership offers a delicious excuse to head to St Michael's Hill. It's a true taste of Bristol under one roof, showcasing local talent, local produce and the city's wonderfully collaborative food and drink culture.

Psychopomp X Sonny Stores 

145 St Michaels Hill; Bristol; England; BS2 8DJ.

Opening hours: 

Wednesday-Friday 12PM-3PM

Thursday–Friday 5 PM–10 PM, Saturday 6 PM–10 PM

Bristol Blends: Valentine's for the Coffee Lovers

Valentine's dinners are rarely about the food alone - they're about what happens after. When the plates are cleared away and the conversation slows, Psychopomp Single Origin Coffee Digestif offers a quietly indulgent way to linger a little longer.  

Blended in Bristol using unsweetened, single origin speciality coffee and English wheat spirit, this vegan treat is a far cry from the sugary coffee liqueurs many people have come to expect. 

Instead, it delivers deep espresso and dark chocolate notes with a clean, dry finish that feels perfectly at home after a rich meal.

Unlike traditional coffee liqueurs, which rely on sweetness to carry flavour, Psychopomp's Coffee Digestif focuses on clarity and character.

Each batch is made using seasonal beans chosen for their distinct profile, meaning no two releases are ever quite the same - local roasters such as Triple Roast, Clifton Coffee and next up Oddkins - work collaboratively with Psychopomp to create unique blends for each batch. 

The result is a spirit that reflects its origin, much like a thoughtful wine pairing, and offers something genuinely different for coffee lovers.

Best served over ice after dinner, the Digestif also works beautifully poured over ice cream for a simple affogato, or used to sharpen classic cocktails like an Espresso Martini. 

Its versatility has made it a favourite with bars and restaurants including The Pig near Bath, The Pig in the Cotswolds, and Bravas in Bristol.

B Corp certified, carbon-neutral Psychopomp Microdistillery was founded in Bristol by former cardiologist Liam Hirt and is a carbon-neutral producer focused on flavour-first spirits. 

Alongside the Single Origin Coffee Digestif, the distillery produces small-batch gin, aquavit and absinthe, with the same commitment to experimentation and provenance.

Its sister site, Circumstance Distillery, is one of Britain's first new urban whisky distilleries in decades.

Whether opened at the end of a Valentine's meal or given as a gift to someone who cares about coffee, Psychopomp Single Origin Coffee Digestif is about slowing down and enjoying what comes after.

Recently, Psychopomp reopened its bar on beautiful St. Michael's Hill in Bristol, after a six year lockdown related hiatus, and the intimate space is the perfect space to pick up a bottle on the way home if you happen to be local.

Whether brought to the table as the final course or wrapped as a Valentine's gift for a coffee lover, Psychopomp Single Origin Coffee Digestif has been created to be the kind of drink that turns the end of dinner into the best part of the evening.

Psychopomp Single Origin Coffee Digestif | 70cl | 20% ABV | Suitable for Vegans

Links to buy

Master of Malt RRP £20.97 https://tinyurl.com/4dx7fcuf

Available from Microdistillery.co.uk RRP £22

Psychopomp Bar, Bristol RRP £22

Also available at the following restaurants:

The Pig In The Cotswolds

The Pig near Bath 

Bravas, Bristol