The foodie hotspot less than an hour from Cardiff which Rick Stein says is one of his favourites

The chef and TV personality has praised it's 'fantastic mixture of cultures'

Rick Stein, chef and television presenter has named several foodie hotspots which he explores in more depth on the BBC2 series, Rick Stein’s Food Stories. On the programme he explains why he was so keen to travel the length and breadth of the country tasting and creating popular local dishes, but there are a handful of cities which he is "particularly passionate" about, according to the BBC.

Bristol, which was second on his list and just after London is one place which Stein clearly has a special place for in his heart. Praising it's diverse nature, he said: “This is just such an exciting city at the moment. It's got a fantastic mixture of cultures in there and it's a university town, which makes a big difference. I think it's a forward-looking city.”

In Rick Stein’s Food Stories, the award-winning chef explores the city and the community of St. Pauls where he explains how significant the Windrush generation was to the city, as well as showcasing some of the delicacies people can enjoy in the area. For the latest restaurant reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here

READ MORE: First look at Penarth's new posh bar and kitchen with a roof terrace opening in old video shop

READ MORE: I stayed at the Welsh idyllic hideaway that feels like you're a thousand miles away from civilisation

In episode seven, where he visits the city, he speaks to the African catering company's café, Houria, which is works to raise awareness about modern day slavery and educate people about racism, issues which still affect people in Bristol and beyond.

While he was there, he called the kitchen a "hive of activity", noting: "As I try to follow what's going on, a wonderfully international feast is being prepared for today's lunch menu by Mariam from Pakistan, Emel from Egypt and Kim who is British with West-African heritage and runs this fantastic place."

Tasting some of the shuri, one of the dishes served up, he said it was "lovely", adding it was "very, very flavoursome." After this segment of the episode, Stein is also seen making his own salt cod potato cakes with lime and red chillies, after being inspired by Kim's cooking and shines a light on some of the other gems in the area and visits a Caribbean takeaway in the suburb of Fishponds.

At the takeaway kitchen and bar, Guru's, Stein speaks with the owner, Mark Daley. who gave up his car sales business to cook Jamaican food for a living, and who's father was one of the first original Jamaicans in Bristol. Speaking about his food, Stein said: "Mark's jerk chicken is definitely the real deal."

And after trying it out for himself, he noted: "That's really good. Can see why you're popular... Sweet, but that contrast of that and the spice is quite exceptional."