Unleash Your Inner Rum Connoisseur at The Milk Thistle
Bristol is renowned for its quirky vibes, and The Milk Thistle is the epitome of cool. This bar is nestled inside a four-story historic building, oozing with prohibition-era charm. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from a 1920s detective novel. Don your best flapper dress or tweed jacket and enjoy their eclectic menu of expertly crafted cocktails. And if you ever want to impress your friends, tell them you’ve had a cocktail in the same place where Sherlock Holmes once unwrapped a mystery. Okay, we made that last part up, but it might as well be true!
Explore the Bristol Underground at The Lanes
Fancy a spot of bowling with your beer? Then head over to The Lanes! This vibrant, retro-styled bar combines live music, bowling, karaoke, and even a cinema for your party pleasure. Take a break from exploring the bars in Bristol and show off your best moonwalk on their dance floor. Pro tip: Strike a pose on the bowling lane and pretend you’re the star of your own 80s movie montage. You’ll thank us later.
Channel Your Inner Pirate at The Old Duke
If you have a soft spot for jazz and want to walk the plank into a musical abyss, saunter down to The Old Duke. This is Bristol’s temple for live jazz and blues. Plus, with its rustic benches and squeaky floorboards, you might just fancy yourself as a salty sea dog as you down your pint and groove to the tunes. “Aye, aye, captain,” indeed!
Travel Back in Time with Hyde & Co.
If secret passwords, hidden doors, and an ambiance that screams exclusivity tickle your fancy, then Hyde & Co. is the place for you. Known for its speakeasy vibe, this clandestine joint will have you double-checking Google Maps just to find the entrance. Once inside, relish their classic cocktails. Just remember, with great exclusivity comes great responsibility – to Instagram the heck out of it!
Embrace the Unexpected at The Canteen
The Canteen offers more than just good food and drinks — it’s a hub for cultural rebels and artistic souls. Located in the alternative Stokes Croft area, its unique blend of live music and vibrant art is sure to make any visit memorable. Plus, with a menu featuring locally-sourced ingredients, you can confidently say, “I’m just here to support local farmers.” Well, that or to enjoy some fantastic cider!
Get a Taste of Bristol’s Bohemia at The Gallimaufry
Located on the bustling Gloucester Road, The Gallimaufry is like the mad scientist of bars, perfect for those who embrace unpredictability. Here, creativity knows no bounds, everything from the decor to the menu offers a delightful mish-mash of inspirations. It may look like the junk drawer in your kitchen, but it’s way more magical and serves mojitos.
Find Your Island Paradise at Bambalan
When the grey skies of Bristol somehow morph into a rare tropical day, there’s only one place to be: Bambalan! With its rooftop terrace, palm trees, and exotic cocktail menu, it feels like a slice of Ibiza landed in Bristol. Make sure to try their tapas – because calories don’t count when you’re on holiday, or so we’ve heard. Umbrellas in the cocktails: mandatory.
Indulge in Elegance at The Florist
For those with a penchant for plants and pretty things, The Florist is a blooming delight. Jazzed up with fragrant bouquets and charming interiors, this bar is all about floral aesthetics. It’s like walking into a midsummer night’s dream, with the added bonus of cocktails that taste as good as the place looks. Instagram influencers, eat your heart out!
Dive Into Bristol’s Craft Beer Scene at Small Bar
Beer enthusiasts will definitely want to add Small Bar to their must-visit list. Offering a curated selection of local craft beers, this cozy yet lively bar is known for its epic brews. Claiming that you’re on a “beer-education” trip has never been easier. Glass in one hand, locally crafted delight in the other, this place is pure beer bliss.
Savor Sanctuary in the Heart of the City at The White Bear
Offering an idyllic escape from the urban hustle and bustle, The White Bear features everything from craft ales to classic pub grubs. Conveniently located near Bristol University, it’s a hotspot for students and townies alike. If wooden beams could talk, they’d surely spill stories of pint-induced epiphanies!