Best Bars in Bristol
Wiper & True Taproom
Discover Bristol's newest brewery taproom, Wiper & True, a stunning venue located near Old Market. The thoughtful design includes an accessible bar, braille menus, gender-neutral toilets, and a strong commitment to sustainability, from solar panels to electric car charging points. Besides enjoying their delicious beers brewed just meters away, you can also indulge in a fantastic selection of natural wines, locally-made spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Hyde & Co
Hidden within a secret bar, Hyde & Co offers a truly clandestine experience. Despite being tucked away off the bustling Clifton Triangle, surrounded by kebab shops, this gem often goes unnoticed by passersby. While cocktails take center stage, this establishment offers more than just mixed drinks. You can also find bottles of Wild Beer and Burrow Hill cider, making the journey from Somerset.
The Milk Thistle
Located next to the White Lion pub, The Milk Thistle conceals four floors of extravagant opulence. If you appreciate wood panelling and taxidermy, you're in for a treat. Each level serves a different purpose, with a ground-floor cocktail bar and various function rooms, including private dining featuring chefs from the sister restaurant, The Ox. For those visiting with friends, don't miss the latest specials on the cocktail menu or the selection of rare whiskies in the hidden vault bar downstairs.
Kitchen + Bar at Bristol Old Vic
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Kitchen + Bar at Bristol Old Vic, situated in the theater's stripped-back foyer. Join actors and food enthusiasts alike as you sip expertly prepared G&Ts before a performance or relax in one of the themed cabins outside, each representing a past show that graced the stage of this historic theater. Other cultural institutions should take note—this is how you attract a whole new audience.
Small Bar
At Small Bar, cast your eyes above the counter to find a list of IPAs, stouts, blonde beers, and a unique category—'crazy shit.' Prepare for brews that exceed 10 percent ABV, with prices reaching £5 for a half pint. Thankfully, you have the option to savor your chosen unconventional delight in a bespoke one-third glass. The popularity of Small Bar since its opening in 2013 is evident, as it has become a preferred after-work spot for Bristol's chefs, waiters, and baristas—an excellent endorsement. Additionally, indulge in Wing's Diner's renowned food offering, known for serving some of the best fried chicken in Bristol.
Kongs of King Street
Embrace your competitive spirit at Kongs, where vintage arcade games like Street Fighter II and PacMan await. If video games aren't your style, challenge your friends to table football or table tennis, where an errant shot could land behind the bar. Kongs offers an international selection of lagers, including Sierra Nevada from the USA, Affligem from Belgium, and Birra Moretti from Italy. Thatchers Gold and Symonds are among the ciders on tap, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy."
The Beer Emporium
Immerse yourself in a beer lover's paradise at The Beer Emporium, where the choices seem endless. Don't be deceived by the small bottle shop on the street level; downstairs, you'll find three vaulted cellars housing more beer than anywhere else in Bristol. Their ever-changing selection features beers from international brewers as well as local favorites like Bristol Beer Factory and Arbor Ales. With 28 keg beers, two casks, and an impressive array of 250 different bottles, you're bound to discover new favorites among the options.
KASK
Embrace the motto "Say No to Shit Wine!" at KASK in Bedminster, a place dedicated to promoting natural wine and ensuring a fantastic experience. Their wine list offers a rotating selection of red, white, and orange wines available by the glass or bottle, keeping things exciting and diverse. KASK also organizes regular wine and cheese events, along with a weekly £5 wine tasting, catering to budget-conscious wine enthusiasts.
The Christmas Steps
Nestled at the bottom of the steep and cobbled Christmas Steps, this charming watering hole offers more than meets the eye. Co-owned by independent music magazine Crack, The Christmas Steps combines cutting-edge dance music in the beer garden with a classic pub roast. To taste the essence of Bristol, sample their house ales: Arbor Ales' Crack Hops, an IPA, and Crack Gold, a refreshing golden ale from Twisted Oak. If you plan to visit after work, arrive promptly, as this place quickly fills up with patrons.
The Bootlegger
Step into a world of style at The Bootlegger, where bartenders don dashing red braces and bourbon flows freely. This unique speakeasy-style bar in Bristol doesn't rely on hidden doorbells or payphones to create its ambiance. The venue features live music, with talented musicians playing double basses that are larger than life, evoking the spirit of 1920s New Orleans. However, The Bootlegger also caters to contemporary tastes with DJs who bring the music policy up to date.
