Bristol

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Pubs and Bars

Traditional British pubs, trendy bars, and craft beer spots popular in Bristol's vibrant nightlife scene.

Sections

1. Popular Pubs and Bars in Bristol

Traditional Pubs

  1. The Coronation Tap ("The Cori Tap")

    • Location: Clifton
    • Specialty: Famous for its strong cider, particularly the "Exhibition" cider.
    • Atmosphere: Cozy and traditional, with a rustic charm.
    • Price Range: £3–£6 per drink.
    • Unique Feature: Known for its cider-only menu and a strict "half-pint" rule for stronger ciders.
    • Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access due to its historic building.
    • Opening Hours: Mon–Sat: 5 PM–11 PM, Sun: 7 PM–10:30 PM.
    • Booking: Walk-ins only.

  2. The Llandoger Trow

    • Location: Harbourside
    • Specialty: Traditional ales and hearty pub food.
    • Atmosphere: Historic pub dating back to 1664, rumored to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s "Treasure Island."
    • Price Range: £10–£15 for meals, £4–£6 for drinks.
    • Unique Feature: A Grade II listed building with a rich maritime history.
    • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with assistance.
    • Opening Hours: Daily: 12 PM–11 PM.
    • Booking: Recommended for larger groups.

  3. The Old Duke

    • Location: King Street
    • Specialty: Live jazz and blues music.
    • Atmosphere: Lively and vibrant, with a mix of locals and tourists.
    • Price Range: £4–£6 for drinks.
    • Unique Feature: Free live music performances most nights.
    • Accessibility: Limited due to narrow entrances.
    • Opening Hours: Mon–Thu: 4 PM–11 PM, Fri–Sun: 12 PM–12 AM.
    • Booking: Walk-ins only.

Trendy Bars

  1. The Milk Thistle

    • Location: City Centre
    • Specialty: Creative cocktails and premium spirits.
    • Atmosphere: Speakeasy-style bar with a luxurious, vintage vibe.
    • Price Range: £8–£15 per cocktail.
    • Unique Feature: Hidden entrance and a secretive, exclusive feel.
    • Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible (stairs).
    • Opening Hours: Tue–Thu: 5 PM–12 AM, Fri–Sat: 5 PM–1 AM.
    • Booking: Strongly recommended via their website.

  2. Hyde & Co.

    • Location: Clifton Triangle
    • Specialty: Classic and bespoke cocktails.
    • Atmosphere: Intimate and stylish, with a 1920s Prohibition theme.
    • Price Range: £9–£14 per cocktail.
    • Unique Feature: Hidden entrance and a focus on mixology.
    • Accessibility: Limited due to stairs.
    • Opening Hours: Mon–Thu: 5 PM–12 AM, Fri–Sat: 5 PM–1 AM.
    • Booking: Recommended for weekends.

  3. The Canteen

    • Location: Stokes Croft
    • Specialty: Local craft beers and vegetarian/vegan food.
    • Atmosphere: Artsy and community-focused, with live music.
    • Price Range: £3–£6 for drinks, £8–£12 for meals.
    • Unique Feature: Strong focus on sustainability and local produce.
    • Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible.
    • Opening Hours: Mon–Thu: 10 AM–11 PM, Fri–Sat: 10 AM–12 AM, Sun: 10 AM–10 PM.
    • Booking: Walk-ins welcome, but reservations are available.

Craft Beer Spots

  1. Small Bar

    • Location: King Street
    • Specialty: Rotating selection of craft beers from local and international breweries.
    • Atmosphere: Casual and friendly, with knowledgeable staff.
    • Price Range: £4–£8 per pint.
    • Unique Feature: Focus on independent breweries and experimental beers.
    • Accessibility: Limited due to stairs.
    • Opening Hours: Mon–Thu: 4 PM–11 PM, Fri–Sat: 12 PM–12 AM, Sun: 12 PM–10 PM.
    • Booking: Walk-ins only.

  2. Left Handed Giant Brewpub

    • Location: Finzels Reach
    • Specialty: House-brewed craft beers and sour ales.
    • Atmosphere: Modern and spacious, with a riverside terrace.
    • Price Range: £4–£7 per pint.
    • Unique Feature: On-site brewery with a focus on sustainability.
    • Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible.
    • Opening Hours: Mon–Thu: 4 PM–11 PM, Fri–Sat: 12 PM–12 AM, Sun: 12 PM–10 PM.
    • Booking: Walk-ins welcome, but reservations are available.

2. Types of Food and Drinks Offered

  • Drinks: Bristol’s pubs and bars offer a wide range of beverages, including:
    • Local ciders (e.g., Thatchers, Orchard Pig).
    • Craft beers from Bristol breweries (e.g., Bristol Beer Factory, Moor Beer).
    • Classic ales and lagers.
    • Creative cocktails and premium spirits.
    • Non-alcoholic options like mocktails and kombucha.
  • Food: Many venues serve traditional British pub fare, such as:
    • Fish and chips.
    • Sunday roasts.
    • Pies and mash.
    • Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available, especially in trendy bars.

3. Price Ranges

  • Drinks: £3–£15, depending on the venue and drink type.
  • Food: £8–£20 for main courses, with snacks and small plates starting at £4.

4. Local Customs and Etiquette

  • Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. A 10% tip is customary for good service.
  • Ordering: In traditional pubs, order at the bar. In bars and restaurants, table service is more common.
  • Rounds: It’s customary to buy drinks in "rounds" when in a group.
  • Noise Levels: Many pubs are family-friendly during the day but can get lively in the evenings.
  • Dress Code: Casual attire is acceptable in most pubs, but some upscale bars may have a smart-casual dress code.

5. Unique Features and Experiences

  • Live Music: Many venues, such as The Old Duke and The Canteen, offer free live music.
  • Cider Culture: Bristol is in the heart of cider country, so sampling local ciders is a must.
  • Historic Pubs: Venues like The Llandoger Trow offer a glimpse into Bristol’s maritime past.
  • Rooftop Bars: For stunning views, check out bars like The White Lion Bar at the Avon Gorge Hotel.

6. Accessibility

  • Many pubs and bars in Bristol are housed in historic buildings, which can limit accessibility. However, modern venues like Left Handed Giant Brewpub and The Canteen are fully wheelchair accessible. It’s advisable to check with the venue in advance if accessibility is a concern.

7. Opening Hours

  • Most pubs and bars open around midday and close by 11 PM–12 AM. Some trendy bars and clubs stay open until 1–2 AM on weekends.

8. Booking Procedures

  • Traditional Pubs: Typically operate on a walk-in basis.
  • Trendy Bars: Booking is recommended, especially on weekends or for larger groups. Reservations can usually be made online or by phone.
  • Special Events: For live music nights or themed events, booking may be required.

9. Local Regulations and Considerations

  • Age Restrictions: The legal drinking age in the UK is 18. ID may be required.
  • Smoking: Smoking is prohibited indoors but allowed in designated outdoor areas.
  • Noise Levels: Some venues have noise restrictions due to residential areas.

Bristol’s pub and bar scene offers something for everyone, from history buffs to craft beer enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a quiet pint in a historic pub or a night of cocktails and live music, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this vibrant city.