A gin drinker’s guide to Bristol

Do you know your juniper from your geneva? Is ‘gin o’clock’ scheduled firmly into your diary? Never mind the cider, Bristol has several gin distilleries to its name and plenty of places to drink this splendid spirit. If you’re looking for a bit of gin-spiration, get the Bristol gin low down here…

6 O'clock Gin

Made in Thornbury by family-run business Bramley & Gage, 6 O’clock Gin stands out on shelves thanks to its Bristol-blue bottle. Gin lovers can book on to behind-the-scenes distillery tours to discover the copper still (affectionately known as Kathleen), learn the processes involved in making their original gin, special Brunel edition and fruit liqueurs. And of course tour-goers get to swig a sample or two! 

Image - 6 O'clock Gin

Chew Valley Distillery

Located between Bristol and Bath, this multi award-winning distillery not only runs regular tours and tastings, but also has a small tap room on site, so you can enjoy a drink among their copper stills and see the distilling in action! They also sell their full range from the onsite bottle shop, so you can bring a few goodies home with you.

Spirited

This bottle shop in Southville also allows you to sit in and enjoy a highball cocktail or dram of your favourite tipple. Pair your G&T with a cheeseboard, or keep an eye to their events page for the latest tastings and boozy supper clubs.

The Milk Thistle

‘Flirty younger sister’ of hip prohibition bar, Hyde & Co., The Milk Thistle, serves some of the best tipples in the city. Housed over four floors in one of Bristol’s finest historic buildings, you’ll find leather chairs to sink into and delicious cocktail concoctions to imbibe within its atmospheric walls. Learn up on your favourite juniper-based spirit with their monthly gin clubs, featuring guest gins from all over the globe.

Image - The Milk Thistle

Hyde & Co.

For gin with a hefty infusion of vintage decadence, head to Bristol’s original speak-easy, Hyde & Co. secreted away by The Triangle. Stepping inside this handsome hush-hush drinking den will transport you back to the roaring 20s, where mixologists whip up killer cocktails with a serious dose of prohibition glam. Line ‘em up bartender!

Racks Bar and Kitchen

Racks in Clifton run regular gin tasting masterclasses, helping you better understand your botanicals.  Great for groups, parties or a slightly different team building experience!

Image - Racks

Gin Cruise with Bristol Ferry

Sip a refreshing gin and tonic whilst taking in the sights and sounds of Bristol's harbourside at sunset - quite the combo don't you think? Tours take place on Thursdays throughout summer, with tickets priced at £20 including two drinks and a 90-minute boat trip.

Bravas

If you like your gin accompanied by several sides of heavenly tapas then head to Bravas on Cotham Hill – an authentic tapas bar serving proper, Spanish measures of gin from their outstanding gin menu. Psychopomp have concocted a bespoke recipe in collaboration with the restaurant – known as ‘Gin Bravas’ with Mediterranean-style green olive, nora pepper and almond botanicals.

Food and drink tours

Combine a tasty tour of the city with a chance to sample some local gins! GOOD: Stories in Food include a trip to distillery as part of their Hotspots & Hidden Treasures tour of the Old City every weekend, as well as a gin tasting in their 'Happiest Hour' Drinks Tour, which also includes samples of local beers and wines.

You can find more gin experiences and tours from local businesses on Yuup Bristol.

Image - Yuup Bristol

G & Afternoon Tea at The Bristol Hotel

Enjoy some classic finger sandwiches, scones and cakes with your choice of tea, coffee or special gin cocktails created in collaboration with Bristol Dry Gin, such as the 'Passiflora' with Earl Grey-infused gin, passion fruit purée and vanilla.

Image - The Bristol Hotel

Bristol Distilling Co.

Tucked into an unassuming trading estate in Bedminster you'll find this large distillery and taproom, where you can sample their broad range of gins in delicious G&Ts or cocktails.

Psychopomp Micro-Distillery

Hidden in open view on St Michael’s Hill, Psychopomp produces craft distilled gin in small batches and limited quantities. Get geeky about gin making in their weekly Gin School. Lessons include a tutored tasting, recipe development and distilling your very own gin. 

Bristol Dry Gin

An olde-world coaching inn in Bristol’s medieval Old City, The Rummer has an eye-popping collection of spirits, including boutique and craft spirits made in its very own micro-distillery, Bristol Dry Gin, housed in the cellars below. Their full range is available to try on the cocktail menu or buy and take away with you. Pop down on a Friday or Saturday for regular local gin tastings.

Green Man

This cosy characterful boozer in Kingsdown may not seem like the obvious choice for an evening of sinking several craft gins, but the pub has a whopping 100 gins to get your chops around.

Pump House

The Pump House knows it gin. At last count, this waterside watering hole had over 600 varieties – the largest collection of gin in the south west. Up your gin game at one of their special events or make it your life’s mission to work your way through their impressive gin list.

Her Majesty’s Secret Service

Get your gin on in the name of Queen and country at Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Behind the red phone box door of this popular bar lies many an inventive and highly quaffable cocktail. The drinks here are served like mini works of art from a British passport-themed menu - for a gin fix, try the Not-so-busy-B – inspired by Big Ben.

Gin and Juice

Choose from over 350 gins, signature cocktails and spirits in the opulent settings of this stunning bar on Park Street.

Box-E

For the ultimate gin consuming experience, head to foodie favourite Box-E. Inside this intimate shipping container, Chef Elliott Lidstone whips up some of the most celebrated food in Bristol. He also uses the spent gin botanicals from Psychopomp (yep, them again) to cure fish and pair it with the gin. Gin-ius!  

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