OUR STORY
About COR
COR has many meanings for us. It originates however from the Latin word ‘heart’. And at the heart of COR, is our desire to bring together our love of hospitality in a friendly and welcoming place that is inclusive to all.
That’s why everyone is welcome at COR, whether for a small bite with a friend, or yourself, a light lunch with colleagues or a special occasion with the family. We have a reservation system, but walk-ins and spontaneity are always encouraged.
The food and drink at COR are influenced by our love of the Mediterranean. The menu plays to Mark’s fine dining training yet also incorporates the more fun, sharing style food we love and that Mark has been working with over the last 8 years. It's a small menu that is seasonally updated and will be created with the aim of reducing waste and surplus in the kitchen with creativity from the team shown on our menus.
About us
COR is a family run business brought to you by husband and wife team Karen and Mark Chapman, who met working in hospitality in Sydney (many years ago!), before moving to Bristol and setting up life together!
Mark leads the restaurant, bringing over 18 years’ of experience in the industry together in COR, his first own business.
After 4 years of formal training, Mark worked in world class 6 star resorts, ‘hat’ restaurants in Sydney, the Michelin star Bath Priory Hotel and, over the last 6 years, as Executive Chef of Bravas, Gambas, Cargo Cantina and Masa + Mezcal. In the last 3 years, Mark has exclusively managed Gambas tapas bar and restaurant, which was awarded a Michelin plate in 2021 and 2022 under Mark’s leadership.
All of these experiences have shaped and influenced COR so far and Mark has no intention to stop learning and growing now. Alongside Mark is a brilliant and passionate team who are already helping to grow and make COR what it is today and we are proud to have been awarded a Bib Gourmand by The Michelin Guide for 2 consecutive years 2023 & 2024 making COR an excellent ‘good quality, good value cooking’ restaurant alongside our mention in The Good Food guide UK & Hardens UK.
Our Ethos
Sustainability and farm to table is very important to us. This is not limited to our produce. We passionately believe in investing in people and our community. That is why COR offers apprenticeships through Bristol City and Weston colleges. The people behind COR have worked with the Bristol Food Union, Square Food Foundation, the Mazi Project, Caring in Bristol, BS3 Jammin, Chefs forum and with West of England Combined Authority (WECA) on various projects to promote the hospitality industry, support those in need and use food as a means to empower young people in Bristol. We will be looking for ways to continue and grow these relationships with COR. If you have an idea how we can work with the community please get in touch!
We cannot wait to share this new chapter with you.