Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has teamed up with the city’s Pasture restaurant group to take the iconic event’s hospitality offering to new heights.
Pasture, which was launched by chef-owner Sam Elliott in Bristol in 2018 with a vision to create memorable dining experiences, will operate an on-site restaurant during the fiesta, which takes place at Ashton Court from Friday 9 August to Sunday 11 August. 
Operating four sittings on Friday and Saturday, and three on Sunday, the eatery will sit in a prime location on the edge of the main ballooning arena, offering exclusive views to pair with its carefully curated food and drink.
As well as offering a hearty breakfast with unlimited tea and coffee, guests will be able to book tickets for two-course lunches, and two-course dinners, including selection of classic dishes served at Pasture’s Portwall Lane restaurant as well as some exclusive dishes.
The group, which also has outlets in Cardiff and Birmingham, will also be offering a spectacular meal of four exquisite courses, in the perfect location to witness the fiesta’s main event – the Night Glow.
Guests will receive complimentary bubbly, or a non-alcoholic alternative, on arrival to celebrate one of the city’s most anticipated moments of the year. 
Tickets will be sold as tables, with each table accommodating four to six guests. Due to anticipated high demand, guests are encouraged to book tickets as soon as possible.
Balloon Fiesta executive director Ben Hardy said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Pasture for this year’s fiesta.
“As one of Bristol’s favourite restaurants, we know there will be extremely high demand to taste the incredible options they have planned for us.
“This is the first time we’ve offered such an outstanding dining experience for guests, and with front row views of the action, I’m certain this will prove to be an unforgettable memory for everyone who dines there.”
Pasture’s Sam Elliott, pictured with his team, added: “The whole Pasture team is so excited to be working with the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
“We’re passionate about providing incredible food and drinks to our city, and there isn’t a more iconic place for us to do so than with a restaurant in the centre of Ashton court at the Balloon Fiesta this summer.
“The event attracts people from far and wide and we can’t wait to serve everyone and make their experience a memorable one.”
The not-for-profit organisation behind the annual free-to-attend event, which injects millions of pounds into the local economy every August and has become synonymous with the city itself, recently announced it was reducing it from four to three days this August to cut costs amid a funding shortfall.
Spiralling costs in areas such as hiring equipment and staffing – around 360 staff work onsite during the fiesta – pushed up costs from £735,000 in 2019.
Poor weather, the pandemic and inflation have also added to the financial pressures.
The event organisers have vowed to trim costs in its supply chain by using more local suppliers while also seeking more sponsorship from Bristol businesses, as well as national and international companies.
