Bristol is not just another city that knows how to have a good time; it has mastered the art. The city’s bar scene is as diverse, complex and vast as the city itself, serving different kinds of vibes from waterfront bars to underground cocktail bars. Its bar scene is very large, and just when you think you’ve seen it all, a new spot opens that offers something better.
Each bar at Bristol is designed for a full day (or night) of experience. You can enjoy a sipper at a distillery that doubles as a bar or have a side of food with your drinks. In short, Bristol’s drinking dens are as varied as the preferences of the people, but here is a round-up of some of the best of them.
5 Best Bars in Bristol
1. The Milk Thistle
2. Flight Club
3. The Beer Emporium
4. Small Bar
5. Grain Barge
Best Bars in Bristol
Here are the best bars you can get in the city of Bristol:
1. The Milk Thistle
The Milk Thistle is an award-winning hidden bar existing behind an unassuming doorway in one of Bristol’s grandest historic buildings. The prohibition-style cocktail bar nails the balance between mystery, atmosphere, and great drinks. It is one of those places you almost don’t want to tell people about, just so you can keep it to yourself.
The bar is spread across four restored floors. A Whiskey vault in an underground basement, a lounge and parlour bar on the ground and middle floors and the Attic, a dining room plus bar mix. Milk Thistle is done up nicely in wood-panelled walls, vintage furniture and cute taxidermy on the walls. When you add the little design details like the candles and chandeliers, the bar feels more like a private membership club than a public venue. It is cosy, warm and homey and somehow manages not to ever feel stuffy, even when packed to the brim.
While the ambience is truly one of a kind, what keeps people coming back is the outstanding cocktail menu. From imaginations of classic cocktails to new creations, the bartenders at Milk Thistle are some of the best in the city. Add that to a different monthly special, and there is always something new to try. If you are not a fan of cocktails, there is a mix of beer, cider and gin in store to try out. Also, not liking alcohol doesn’t stop you from having a good time at the Milk Thistle. The mixologists are great pros at making low alcohol or non-alcoholic delectable cocktails for guests.
Location: Quay Head House, Colston Avenue, Bristol
Price Range: £10 – £30
2. Flight Club
Flight Club is not your average bar, and compared to other old-timers in Bristol is fairly new. The club has multiple locations in the United Kingdom, including London and Manchester, and it decided to share the fun in Bristol too. It brings to the city’s bar scene a new high-energy blend of competitive socialising, games, and really good cocktails. If you thought darts were just something played in quiet corners of old-school pubs, well, Flight Club redefines it; it is more competitive and definitely far more fun.
The interiors of Flight Club are a visual treat, vintage fairground decor mixed with a cosy pub feel. There are twinkling lights strung on ceilings and walls, fairground horses, stained-glass windows, and retro touches at every turn. The bar menu is just as good, with a great mix of signature cocktails, beers, wines, and gins/tonics. Add in the nibbles and snacks (the pizza paddles and mini-burgers steal the show) and you’ve got yourself a good time.
If you really want to turn things up a notch, the Brunch Socials are the way to go. You get bottomless pizza, a bottle of bubbly or cocktail, and a private oche (yes, a darts lane) all to yourself. This makes it a particularly sought-after spot for birthday celebrations with friends and work nights out. It is also an increasingly go-to bar for casual catch-ups with friends. The drinks are amazing, the bites delicious, there is always a DJ spinning beats, and there’s even a hidden oche tucked behind the bar, just waiting to be discovered.
Location: 41 Corn Street, Bristol, United Kingdom
Price Range: £30 – £50
3. The Beer Emporium
If you scurry down beneath the cobblestones of King Street, you will find one of Bristol’s most beloved drinking dens. The Beer Emporium, fondly called “The Emp” by its loyal regulars, has its roots stretching back to May 1st, 2013. Its creation is a simple forgotten basement space brought to life through 80 days of round-the-clock renovation.
The cavelike basement bar isn’t just a place to grab a pint; it is a bar that celebrates all kinds of beer. The Emp is neither just about what’s on tap; it has built a community of beer lovers that it has nurtured. From the moment you descend into the vaulted stone space, you are greeted with warm lighting, exposed brick, and a laid-back energy. The energy at the Emp is low-key and genuine, a welcome break from louder, flashier bar spaces. You can pair your meals with nibbles and light food like different flavours of pizza and garlic bread.
The lineup of drinks at the Emp is vast and expertly curated. They have everything from local Bristol brews to hard-to-find Belgian classics and international craft favourites. It doesn’t matter if you are a hop-head, a stout/lager devotee, a lover of ale and cider or just beer-curious, there’s something at the Emp that’ll hit the spot. It is one of the few places in Bristol where you can spend hours just tasting your way across different drinks, styles and countries without leaving your seat.
Location: 13 – 15 King Street, Bristol, United Kingdom
Price Range: £10 – £35
4. Best Bars in Bristol: Small Bar
Don’t let the name fool you; Small Bar is anything but small when it comes to beer. Located in Bristol’s legendary “Bermuda Triangle” on King Street, the bar has become a must-visit for anyone who loves craft brews. With around 30 draught beers and ciders available from Bristol Beer Factory, Arbour and New Bristol Factories. There is nothing small about the bar’s range of drink options, except maybe the size of their pint serving; they never pass the ⅓ or ⅔ ratio when pouring. This is to ensure that the beer never goes flat or warm; you just have to applaud the care and expertise of their service.
Most of the beers at Small are served on keg, with a couple of rotating cask options and taps for traditionalists. There is also the option of bottles if you prefer your beer from a bottle. The bar is also known for hosting regular tap changes and collaborations with some of the best breweries in the UK. This way, even locals and regulars always have something new to explore.
There is not much decor inside the bar. The bar is located inside a Grade II building with a simple mix of exposed white walls and comfortable leather chairs. If you need a breather, just head upstairs. The upper floors open on busier nights, with the second floor offering a nice contrast to the buzz of the main bar.
The bar also runs the Wings Diner, which serves some of the tastiest killer Asian fried chicken (or tofu, if that’s more your thing), and sauces or burgers along with loaded chips that go perfectly with whatever you’ve got in your glass. It is that exact combo of great food and better drinks that actually places Small on top of Bristol’s beer list.
Location: 31 King Street, Bristol, United Kingdom
Price Range: £4 – £20
5. Grain Barge Pup and Restaurant
Not many places in Bristol offer the novelty and character of dining at sea that Grain Barge offers. Moored in the Floating Harbour, the refurbished steel barge is one of the city’s most popular spots for food, drink, and a great view. The barge is divided into three decks, from the covered lower deck to the spacious rooftop terrace. One of its major perks is the harbour views it offers that pair nicely with a cold pint or a sunset cocktail.
The menu is a compilation of fresh, seasonal dishes made from local produce and with the best flavours. Some of their best dishes include classic moules frites, Korean-style corndogs and the clam chowder. The drinks menu, on the other hand, is curated from local breweries alongside a mix of real ales, craft beers, ciders, and wines.
One other thing that really sets Grain Barge apart is the barge’s ambience. There is a quiet, relaxing energy that runs through the place, from their dog-friendly policy to the live music and art events that unfold below deck. It’s a one-of-a-kind type of bar where you come for the views and end up staying for the drinks, the conversation, and the overall feel.
Location: Hotwell Road, Bristol, United Kingdom
Price Range: £10 – £25
Conclusion
Bristol might be smack dab in the middle of other famous cities like Bath and London, but that doesn’t mean it has nothing to offer. Its bar scene is a good example. The city bar scene has a little something for everyone, whether you’re into secret speakeasies, inventive cocktails, quiet pubs offering craft beers, or quirky bars that guarantee a night to remember.
