The best bars and nightlife in Bristol
That Bristol has a superb restaurant scene is now a given, but its drinking dens and nightlife options are also something to be reckoned with too, as is its renowned live music scene.
From classic pubs (such as the renowned Coronation Tap cider house in Clifton) to speakeasies and romantic cocktail bars – the city has an abundance of excellent haunts. As for music, there is everything from classical performances at revamped St George’s Bristol concert hall (in an old Georgian church) to music of all hues at the superbly revamped Bristol Beacon, major acts at the Marble Factory and the O2 Academy and DJs at Lakota, to all manner of bands in bars, dives and long-running venues – including on a boat in the harbour. Here are some of the best.
For further Bristol inspiration visit our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants and things to do. If planning a longer trip, explore our guide to the perfect holiday in Somerset.
Find a bar 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 an absolute gem. A former merchant house dating back to the mid-19th century, it’s set out over four floors and styled as a speakeasy and awash with wood panelling, oil paintings, red leather chairs, stained glass and taxidermy. Head to the main bar (the Parlour) and try one of 150 cocktails (such as the powerful Bourbon-based Boulevadier), or maybe a plum sake, or ask to go down to the tiny downstairs Vault for whiskies and pure spirits. They do cocktail masterclasses too. It’s the sister bar of the equally lush Hyde & Co on Upper Byron Place. Booking is essential on Friday and Saturday.
Contact: milkthistlebristol.com
Prices: ££
The Gold Bar at Bristol Harbour Hotel
Hotel bars are great for (sometimes) avoiding the crowds and for finding tip-top mixologists. The Gold Bar at the Bristol Harbour Hotel (set in a grand Victorian Grade II-listed building) is no exception. It’s an elaborate spin on what it claims is a “speakeasy” style, but it’s more a romantic and slinky hideaway bar awash with vivid floral colours and fabrics, colourful artwork (giant playing cards, a movie poster for Attack of the 50ft Woman) and velvet banquette chairs and stools. The Nespresso martinis ought to be tried. An alternative 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 nothing much has changed at The Old Duke, named in homage to Duke Ellington, in the 50-odd years they have been putting on New Orleans-style jazz. It’s a formula that works, making this such a special pub with its black and white flooring, pictures of jazz legends and old music posters. In the main, the small stage hosts jazz in various forms (Friday evening and Sunday lunchtime are favoured jazz-head sessions) but there's also blues and rock. A range of changing beers and ciders is on tap, including the local Gem from Bath.
Contact: theoldduke.co.uk
Prices: £
Stokes Croft
The Canteen
Perfectly capturing the mood 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 bar stocks a vast range of beers and ciders (Bristol Beer Factory and North Street cider among them) plus wine; they do a good Bloody Mary too. The sustainable vegetarian menu is delicious – Chickpea, black bean and lentil chilli, or beetroot and goats cheese risotto, perhaps. Banksy’s Mild Mild West artwork looks down over the entrance.
Contact: canteenbristol.co.uk
Prices: £
Whiteladies Road
Her Majesty's Secret Service
Hidden down an alleyway, you walk through an old telephone box to get to the delightfully compact and very British HMSS. It all seems very hush-hush and discreet in keeping with its loose James Bond image – there’s a caricature of Sean Connery on the wall – although a Seventies disco theme is also present too (via a glitterball and the music). Sit at the bar, high tables or large corner sofa and peruse its witty and very cool cocktail menu; try the Shark Attack with watermelon vodka.
Contact: hmssbristol.com
Prices: ££
Cotham
Crying Wolf
Sister bar of the award-winning Dark Horse in Bath, Crying Wolf made a name for itself. The sultry theme is British nature and woodland – lots of local, handmade oak furnishing, rich green or red colouring and antler-style chandeliers. The drinks menu also emphasises local produce with English spirits and liqueurs (Cotswolds single malt, Somerset Ice Cider); among the beautifully made cocktails there's a house-spiced Rum Espresso, but you’ll also find good local beers too and 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
The mural of Rapunzel in a hoodie on the outside of the pub by street artist Nick Walker adds a witty 21st century touch to this 200-year-old pub. From the tiny snug at the front, to the wood-panelled main bar with its alcove seating, working train set running along the wall, bar billiards and large walled garden, Highbury Vaults is at once cosy and traditional with around six beers and ciders on tap including, Gem and Addlestone cider; plus guests ales. There are sausage rolls and pasties at the bar too.
Contact: highburyvaults.co.uk
Prices: £
Southville
Bristol Beer Factory Tap Room
A den for beer lovers, the Bristol Beer Factory screams independence (like much of the city; the brewery also supplies a handful of other venues) and serves a range of lush beers with names such as Fortitude, Clear Head and Milk Stout. Set in an old brewery dating back to the 1860s, the convivial, if sparsely decorated Tap Room is furnished with wooden tables and leather sofas from where you can sample a selection of up to 16 cask, keg or bottled ales. For true aficionados every other week they offer tours of the brewery combining history, brewing facts and drinking. The bar also stocks a great cider by North Street.
Contact: bristolbeerfactory.co.uk
Prices: £
East Mud Dock
Thekla
This German-built, former cargo ship has, since 1984, been one of the city's favoured music venues for hosting up-and-coming bands: Frank Turner, Calvin Harris, Foals, Florence and the Machine all played here in their early days. There’s an unprepossessing small bar on the top 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 tinned craft beers); the view of the stage is pretty good from any point but, drink in hand, squeezing your way to the front is more fun.
Contact: theklabristol.co.uk
Prices: £
Bathurst Basin
The Louisiana
Just down from Wapping Wharf, the whitewashed Louisiana, a former sailors’ hotel with its distinctive balcony is something of a landmark; Coldplay, Muse, Super Furry Animals and Placebo have all 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. Head to the small, 140-capacity upstairs room and revel in the sweatily intimate intoxication that the music generates. A great place to catch emerging indie bands.
Contact: thelousiana.net
Prices: £
Saint Phillip’s
Cider Box
Love a good pint of cider? Then head to the Cider Box tap room, a warehouse style bar open Fridays and Saturdays, which offers freshly fermented cider made on the premises in collaboration with local makers. It’s a small but buzzy little place and is 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’ll also find craft beers and natural wines too.
Contact: theciderbox.com
Prices: £
Welsh Back
The Glassboat
Now rebranded by the Bristol spirits company 6 O’Clock Gin, the former 1920s barge has had a few guises, but this looks to be one of the best. Grab a seat in the glass canopied area at the back of the barge and take a view of the harbour. Choose from a variety of fine, locally made gins such as London Dry, Brunel or Damson from 6 O’Clock Gin, either 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 too.
Contact: 6oclockgin.com
Prices: £
Bedminster
Kask
Terrific little wine bar, which boasts more than 100 bottles of wine in its cellar. They also have a decent selection of beers and ciders. If you like a wine with a story and from a diverse region then this is the place for you and they do weekly tastings too. 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 in 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 traveller – and consider the 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.
