It’s now a given that Bristol has an excellent restaurant scene, but its drinking and nightlife options are also something to take into account, as is its famous 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 nightlife. As for music, there’s everything from classical performances at the revamped St George’s Bristol concert hall (in an old Georgian church) to music of all shades at the beautifully revamped Bristol Beacon, big acts at the Marble Factory and the O2 Academy and DJs in Lakota, to all kinds of bands in bars, dives and long-term venues – also on a boat in the harbor. Here are some of the best.
For more Bristol inspiration, visit our guides to the city’s best hotels, restaurants and things to do. If you’re planning a longer trip, check out our guide to the perfect Somerset holiday.
Find a bar by area
Old City
The Milk Thistle
Hard to find – there’s a little nameplate on the door and you press a buzzer to get in – this is an absolute gem. A former merchant’s house dating back to the mid-19th century, spread over four floors and styled like a speakeasy and awash in wood panelling, oil paintings, red leather chairs, stained glass windows and taxidermy. Head to the main bar (the Parlour) and try one of the 150 cocktails (like the powerful Bourbon-based Boulevadier), or perhaps a plum sake, or ask to go to the small Vault downstairs for whiskeys and neat spirits. They also give cocktail masterclasses. It’s the sister bar to the equally opulent Hyde & Co on Upper Byron Place. Reservations are required on Fridays and Saturdays.
Contact: milkthistlebristol.com
Prices: ££
The Gold Bar at the Bristol Harbor Hotel
Hotel bars are ideal for (sometimes) avoiding the crowds and finding top mixologists. The Gold Bar at the Bristol Harbor Hotel (housed in a grand Victorian Grade II listed building) is no exception. It’s an elaborate take on what it claims to be a ‘speakeasy’ style, but it’s more of a romantic and devious hideaway, awash in vibrant floral colors and fabrics, colorful artwork (giant playing cards, a movie poster for Attack of the 50ft Woman) and velvet banquet chairs and stools. The Nespresso martinis must be tried. An alternative hotel bar is Rick’s at The Bristol (doylecollection.com) on the quay.
Contact: harbourhotels.co.uk/bristol
Prices: ££
The old duke
You’d be forgiven for thinking that not much has changed at The Old Duke, named in honor of Duke Ellington, in the fifty years they’ve been performing New Orleans-style jazz. It’s a formula that works, making this such a special pub with its black and white floor, photos of jazz legends and old music posters. The small stage mainly hosts jazz in various forms (Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons are favorite jazzhead sessions), but there is also blues and rock. There is a range of changing beers and ciders on tap, including Bath’s local gem.
Contact: theoldduke.co.uk
Prices: £
Stokes Croft
The cafeteria
Bar The Canteen perfectly reflects the atmosphere of Stokes Croft and is relaxed and affordable, with canteen-style tables crammed in front of the stage (there’s live music every night – afrobeat, reggae, hip-hop and the like). Open from 10am, the mood changes throughout the day and rises towards the evening sessions. The long bar stocks a wide range of beers and ciders (including Bristol Beer Factory and North Street cider) plus wine; they also do a good Bloody Mary. The sustainable vegetarian menu is delicious: chickpeas, black beans and lentil chilli, or beetroot and goat’s cheese risotto perhaps. Banksy’s Mild Mild West artwork looks down over the entrance.
Contact: canteenbristol.co.uk
Prices: £
Witte Damesweg
Her Majesty’s Secret Service
Hidden in an alley you walk through an old telephone box to reach the wonderfully compact and very British HMSS. It all looks very quiet and discreet, in keeping with the loose James Bond image – there’s a caricature of Sean Connery on the wall – although there’s also a 1970s disco theme present (via a glitter ball and the music). Take a seat at the bar, high tables or large corner sofa and browse the fun and very cool cocktail menu; try the Shark Attack with watermelon vodka.
Contact: hmssbristol.com
Prices: ££
Cotham
Howling Wolf
Crying Wolf, sister bar to Bath’s award-winning Dark Horse, has made a name for itself. The sultry theme is British nature and woodland – lots of local, handmade oak furniture, rich green or red colors and antler-style chandeliers. The drinks menu also emphasizes local produce with English spirits and liqueurs (Cotswolds single malt, Somerset Ice Cider); The beautifully crafted cocktails include a house-seasoned Rum Espresso, but you will also find good local beers and wine. Expect well-crafted soul and rock ‘n’ roll music on the ground floor; the atmosphere downstairs is more eclectic.
Contact: crywolf.nl
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 small cozy bar at the front to the main bar with wood paneling and alcove seating, working train carriages running along the wall, the bar billiards and the large walled garden, Highbury Vaults is at once cozy and traditional with around six beers and ciders on offer. card. draft including Gem and Addlestone cider; plus guest beer. There are also sausage rolls and pasties at the bar.
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 locations) and serves a range of luscious beers with names like Fortitude, Clear Head and Milk Stout. Housed in an old brewery from the 1860s, the cozy, if sparsely furnished Tap Room is furnished with wooden tables and leather sofas where you can sample a selection of up to 16 kegs, casks or bottles of beer. For real enthusiasts, they offer guided tours of the brewery every other week, combining history, brewing facts and drinks. The bar also stocks a great North Street cider.
Contact: bristolbeerfactory.co.uk
Prices: £
East Modderdok
Thekla
This German-built former freighter has been one of the city’s favorite music venues for hosting up-and-coming bands since 1984: Frank Turner, Calvin Harris, Foals, Florence and the Machine all played here in their early days. There is a nondescript little bar on the upper deck, but head downstairs where the music is on deck. It’s dark and atmospheric with black walls and a long bar (everything from cocktails to canned craft beers); the view of the stage is quite good from any point, but with a drink in hand it’s more fun to make your way to the front.
Contact: theklabristol.co.uk
Prices: £
Bathurst Basin
The Louisiana
Near Wapping Wharf, whitewashed Louisiana, a former sailor’s hotel with its distinctive balcony is something of a landmark; Coldplay, Muse, Super Furry Animals and Placebo have all played here. The ground floor looks 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 upstairs room with seating for 140 people and enjoy the sweaty, intimate buzz that the music creates. A great place to meet up and coming indie bands.
Contact: thelousiana.net
Prices: £
Saint Philip
Cider box
Do you like a good pint of cider? Then head to the Cider Box taproom, a warehouse-style bar open on Fridays and Saturdays offering freshly fermented cider made on site in collaboration with local makers. It’s a small but bustling little place and is just around the corner from the Marble Factory, an atmospheric music venue – one of the best in the city, home to the likes of Black Country New Road, Leftfield and The Murder Capital. You will also find craft beers and natural wines.
Contact: theciderbox.com
Prices: £
Welsh back
The Glass Boat
The former 1920s ship, now renamed by Bristol spirits company 6 O’Clock Gin, has had a few guises, but this seems to be one of the best. Take a seat in the glass canopy at the back of the ship and enjoy the view of 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 pure G&T or in a cocktail. The company is known for its striking blue bottles, which you can also buy here.
Contact: 6oclockgin.com
Prices: £
Bedminster
Kas
Great little wine bar, with over 100 bottles of wine in the 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 you’ve come to the right place and tastings are also organized weekly. Enjoy a good selection of charcuterie, cheese and bread.
Contact: kaskwijn.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’s dropped by to give you their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from casual pubs to exquisite cocktail bars – to suit every type of traveler – and take service, drinks, atmosphere and price into account in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to stay informed of the latest vacancies and to provide current recommendations.