by Bristol now has an excellent restaurant scene, but its drinking and nightlife options are also to be reckoned with, as is its renowned live music scene.
From classic pubs (such as the famous Coronation Tap cider house in Clifton) to speakeasies and romantic cocktail bars – the city has an abundance of excellent character. In terms of music, there’s everything from classical performances at Bristol’s restored St George’s concert hall (in an old Georgian church) to music of all colors at the superbly restored Bristol Beacon, big acts at the Marble Factory and O2 Academy and DJs at Lakota. , to all kinds of bands in bars, dives and long-term venues – including on a boat in the harbour. Here are some of the best.
For more inspiration from Bristol visit our guides to the best hotels, restaurants and things to do in the city. If you’re planning a longer trip, check out our guide to the perfect holiday in Somerset.
Find crops by area
Old City
The Milk Thistle
Hard to find – there is a tiny nameplate by the door and you press a buzzer to get in – this is a real opportunity. A former trading house dating back to the mid-19th century, it is laid out over four floors and is a statement piece and watered down with wood paneling, oil paintings, red leather chairs, stained glass and taxidermy. Head to the main bar (the Parlour) and try one of 150 cocktails (like the powerful Bourbon-based Boulevadier), or perhaps a plum sake, or ask to go down to the small vault tiny downstairs for whiskey and pure spirits. They also do cocktail masterclasses. It is the sister bar of the equally handsome Hyde & Co on Upper Byron Place. Booking is essential on Friday and Saturday.
Contact: milkthistlebristol.com
Prices: ££
The Gold Bar at the Bristol Harbor Hotel
Hotel bars are great for avoiding the crowds (sometimes) and finding great mixologists. The Gold Bar at the Bristol Harbor Hotel (housed in a grand Grade II listed Victorian building) is no exception. It’s an elaborate twist on what it claims is a “speakeasy” style, but it’s a romantic choice and a slinky hideaway bar with vivid colors of flowers and fabrics, colorful artwork (giant playing cards, a movie poster for Attack of the 50ft Woman) and banquette chairs. velvet and stools. The Nespresso martinis should be tried. Another hotel bar is Rick’s at The Bristol (doylecollection.com) on the quayside.
Contact: harbourhotels.co.uk/bristol
Prices: ££
The Old Duke
You’d be forgiven for thinking that The Old Duke, named in honor of Duke Ellington, hasn’t changed much in their 50-odd years of playing New Orleans-style jazz. It’s a formula that works, making this a special pub with its black and white floors, pictures of jazz legends and old music posters. Mostly, there is a variety of jazz on a small stage (Friday afternoon and Sunday lunchtime jazz sessions are the best) but there is also blues and rock. There is a range of beers and ciders on tap, including the local Gem from Bath.
Contact: theoldduke.co.uk
Prices: £
Stokes Croft
The Canteen
Perfectly capturing the spirit of Stokes Croft, The Canteen bar is chilled and affordable with canteen-style tables crammed in front of the stage (there’s live music every night – afro-beat, reggae, hip-hop and the like). Open from 10am, the mood changes throughout the day, ramping up for the evening sessions. The long bars offer a wide range of beers and ciders (including Bristol Beer Factory and North Street cider) plus wine; they also make a good Bloody Mary. The sustainable vegetarian menu is delicious – chickpea, black bean and chilli lentil, or beetroot and goat’s cheese risotto, perhaps. Banksy’s Mild Mild West artwork looks down on the entrance.
Contact: canteenbristol.co.uk
Prices:£
White Lady Road
The Queen’s Secret Service
Hidden down a path, you walk through an old telephone box to get to the very intimate and very British HMSS. It looks very cozy and discreet in keeping with its loose James Bond image – there’s a caricature of Sean Connery on the wall – although the Seventies disco theme is also present (via glitterball and the music). . Sit at the bar, high tables or a large corner sofa and peruse its witty and very cool cocktail menu; try the Shark Attack with watermelon vodka.
Contact: hmssbristol.com
Prices: ££
Cotham
A wolf howling
Sister to the award-winning Dark Horse bar in Bath, Crying Wolf has made a name for itself. The sultry theme is British nature and woodland – lots of local, handcrafted oak furnishings, rich green or red coloring and antler style chandeliers. The drinks menu also emphasizes local produce with English spirits and liqueurs (Cotswolds single malt, Somerset Ice Cider); beautifully crafted cocktails include the house spiced Rum Espresso, but you’ll also find local beers and fine wine. Expect well-crafted soul and rock and roll music on the ground floor; the vibe downstairs is more eclectic.
Contact: cryingwolf.co.uk
Prices: ££
Highbury vaults
A hooded Rapunzel mural on the outside of the pub by street artist Nick Walker adds a whimsical 21st century touch to this 200-year-old pub. From the tiny loft at the front, to the wood-paneled main bar with alcove seating, a working train set running along the wall, bar billiards and a large walled garden, Highbury Vaults is cozy and traditional at the same time with around six beers and cider on. taps including, Gem and Addlestone cider; plus guests ales. The bar also has sausage rolls and pasties.
Contact: highburyvaults.co.uk
Prices: £
South Town
Bristol Beer Factory Tapping Room
A place for beer lovers, the Bristol Brewery screams independence (like much of the city; the brewery also supplies a handful of other venues) and serves a lush range of beers with names like Fortitude, Clear Head and Milk Stout. Housed in an old brewery dating back to the 1860s, the sparsely decorated Tap Room has wooden tables and leather sofas, where you can sample a selection of up to 16 cask, keg or bottled ales. For real fun every other week they offer tours of the brewery that combine history, brewing and drinking facts. The bar on North Street also has great cider.
Contact: bristobeerfactory.co.uk
Prices: £
East Mud Dock
Thekla
This former German cargo ship, since 1984, is one of the best music venues in the city for hosting up-and-coming bands: Frank Turner, Calvin Harris, Foals, Florence and the Machine all played here in their early days. There’s a small bar with no presets on the upper deck, but head down to where the music is on the deck below. It’s dark and atmospheric with black walls and a long bar (everything from cocktails to canned craft beer); the view of the stage is pretty good from any point but, drink in hand, it’s more fun pushing your way to the front.
Contact: theklabrisol.co.uk
Prices: £
Bathurst Basin
the Louisiana
Just down from Wapping Wharf, there is the whitewashed Louisiana, former sailors’ hotel whose characteristic balcony is something remarkable; Coldplay, Muse, Super Furry Animals and Placebo have played here. The ground floor is more like a trendy canteen than a pub but with a good range of beers, lagers and ciders – try the Orchard Pig – and the Sunday roast is recommended. Go to the small room upstairs with a capacity of 140 people and enjoy the intoxication created by the music. A great place to catch up and coming indie bands.
Contact: thelosiana.net
Prices: £
St. Phillip
A box of cider
Love a good pint of cider? Then head to the Cider Box taproom, a warehouse-style bar open Fridays and Saturdays, offering freshly-fermented ciders made on the premises in collaboration with local brewers. It’s a small but impressive place and it’s just around the corner from the Marble Factory, an atmospheric music venue – one of the best in the city, which has hosted the likes of Black Country New Road, Leftfield and The Murder Capital. You will also find craft beer and natural wines.
Contact: theciderbox.com
Prices: £
Back to Welsh
The Glass Boat
Now rebranded by spirits company Bristol 6 O’Clock Gin, the 1920s barge has had a few previous guises, but this looks to be one of the best. Take a seat in the glass canopy area at the back of the barge and look out over the harbor. Choose from a variety of fine locally made gins such as London Dry, Brunel or Damson from 6 o’clock gin, as a straight up g&t or in a cocktail. The company is known for its distinctive blue bottles, you can also buy them here.
Contact: 6oclockgin.com
Prices: £
Bedminster
Cask
A great wine bar, with more than 100 bottles of wine in its cellar. They also have a good selection of beers and ciders. If you want a wine with a story and from a different region, this is the place for you and they also do weekly tastings. Soak it up with a good selection of charcuterie, cheese and bread.
Contact: kaskwine.co.uk
Prices: £
How we choose
Every bar, venue or experience on this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from casual pubs to exquisite cocktail bars – to best suit every type of traveler – and consider service, drinks, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up-to-date recommendations.
