Where to go for cocktails in Bristol

If you’re looking for a special night out, it’s worth seeking out some of Bristol’s top cocktail bars, whether you’re looking for a secluded speakeasy or a bit of glitz and glamour. 

Hyde and Co.

Bristol’s original prohibition-style bar, Hyde and Co. is inconspicuously tucked away down a side street just off Clifton Triangle (look for the bowler hat sign). The bar is small and low lit, with their latest ‘Dens’ menu paying homage to the great bars of the city, past and present. The whisky selection here is first rate too, and they’re open until the early hours most of the week (including Sunday nights), so a top choice for some low key drinks or a nightcap. 

Image - Hyde & Co.

The Milk Thistle

This gorgeous bar is spread across four floors, with a grand sweeping staircase and wood-panelled walls, taxidermy everywhere you look, and plenty of comfy booths and armchairs to sink into for the evening. The Milk Thistle also plays host to a monthly Gin Club as well as private cocktail masterclasses throughout the month.

• Read more: Food and drink events in Bristol

Image - The Milk Thistle

The Gold Bar

As the name indicates, this swish bar located inside the four-star Bristol Harbour Hotel is the place to go if you’re looking for a spot of opulence in the Old City. The cocktail menu matches the décor; classic with some contemporary flourishes.

Image - The Gold Bar

The Clockwork Rose

A steampunk-inspired cocktail bar, themed around the adventures of one Captain Sebastian Commodore. The menu is as tasty as it is quirky, with a selection of sharing, Champagne and non-alcoholic cocktails alongside their flagship creations.

Image - The Clockwork Rose

The Wellhead

A relaxed cocktail bar venue overlooking the Floating Harbour in Finzels Reach. Previously a brewery, the Wellhead combines old and new features, with a cocktail menu inspired by Bristol’s rich history.

Image: The Wellhead

Dirty Martini

Choose from an extensive range of Martinis and signature cocktails, with some intriguing and exciting flavour combinations. The bar also has regular live DJS, Bottomless Martini Brunch and happy hour deals throughout the week.

From here you'll be on the doorstep of several other cocktail bars, including the aforementioned Clockwork Rose and Gold Bar, The Rummer, Stock Exchange Cocktail Club, Flight Club, Cosy Club, Brozen Bar, London Cocktail Club, The Library and more!

Image: Dirty Martini

The Raven

A mysterious cocktail bar located above Four Wise Monkeys on St Nicholas Street, which regularly features live performers and a focus on tarot and magic.

Image: The Raven

Brozen Bar

If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, how about some frozen cocktails made right in front of you with liquid nitrogen? Try the Brozen version of a Dark ‘n’ Stormy (Dark ‘n’ Sleety) or Passionfruit Margarita (Passion on Ice), or go for one of their regular cocktails or hot chocolate if you’re in need or warming up rather than cooling off!

Image: Brozen Bar

Secret Lantern

Another of Bristol’s hidden bars, accessed by an unassuming phone box on a side street in the city centre. Lift the receiver and you’ll be told if there is a table free in the bar below. One of the most sought-after spots has to be the plush double bed, where you can enjoy your cocktails in an extra comfy setting!

Her Majesty’s Secret Service

The team here always let their imagination run riot, with their cocktails being served in anything from an owl mug through to a small gumball machine! The interior of the bar has nods to Bond films (as the name suggests), but the menu is always full of surprises. Sister bar Filthy XIII on Gloucester Road is also worth a visit; the cocktails are similarly inventive but in more of a dive bar setting, complete with a snacking menu of hot dogs, loaded fries and more.

• Read more: A gin drinker’s guide to Bristol

Image - Her Majesty's Secret Service

Kinkajou

A touch of calm sophistication, located just by The Downs in Clifton. No gimmicks here, just great quality cocktails in a slick bar who like to do things properly. 

Crying Wolf

A beautiful neighbourhood cocktail bar on Cotham Hill, with cosy booths and gorgeous décor. The cocktails are very special too, with all of their syrups and shrubs made in-house, and a focus on local suppliers and producers in their drinks and snack menu.

• Read more: Bristol's cosiest pubs

Image - Crying Wolf, Credit: Gareth Aldridge

Loose Cannon

A good mix of high end cocktails in a fun and unpretentious setting, you’ll find Loose Cannon just off Millennium Square on the Harbourside. They have DJs at weekends and special offers on throughout the week.

The Rummer

One of the oldest bars in the city, The Rummer in St Nicholas Market also boasts one of the largest spirit selections and probably the largest fireplace in Bristol too! Whether you want a perfectly-made Old Fashioned or a premium rum over ice, this place has it covered. The bar is also located above the Bristol Dry Gin distillery, so you can pop downstairs for a gin tasting too!  

Flipside Cocktail Club

‘Cocktails and Tunes’ is the tagline used by this bar on Whiteladies Road, where you’ll always be able to enjoy a dance while you sip your Earl Grey Sour.

Image - Flipside Cocktail Club

The Woods

A stalwart of the Bristol bar scene, The Woods has an eye-watering whisky selection and is open until the early hours (2am most nights, and 6am on Saturdays!), so one for the night owls among you!

Aluna

Cocktails with some added drama, whether it be colour-changing concoctions, flaming potions or even a cocktail tree for groups! The bar also has a popular pan-Asian menu and hosts bottomless brunches every weekend.

Image - Aluna

The Bootlegger

This raucous moonshine and music bar on Cheltenham Road is a great choice if you’re looking for somewhere to dance after grabbing some dinner along nearby foodie hotspot Gloucester Road.

Be At One

One of the city’s liveliest cocktail bars, with loud music, flaring bartenders and some great Happy Hour deals throughout the week. Popular with groups and students, Be At One makes a great starting point for a fun night out in the city, especially if you’re planning on a visit to other nearby cocktail bars such as London Cocktail Club, The Lost & Found and The Florist.

• Read more: Bristol's student nightlife

Image - Be At One

Bristol and Bath Rum Distillery

Spread across several floors on Park Street, this huge bar and distillery has a rum school upstairs, and a number of nooks and crannies for you to enjoy your drinks in, whether you opt for your rum neat or in one of their punchy cocktails.

• Read more: Food and drink experiences in Bristol

If you’re looking for some food to go with your cocktails, these restaurants also do a fine line in cocktails…

• CARGO Cantina in Wapping Wharf does a fine selection of Margaritas and other Mexican-inspired cocktails for you to enjoy with your tacos.
• Klosterhaus boasts one of the most stunning bars in the city, with an ever-changing seasonal cocktail menu.
• Riverstation has the perfect harbourside terrace for you to enjoy their classic cocktail menu.
• The Ivy Clifton Brasserie does a range of classic cocktails as well as seasonal specials in their stunning restaurant.
• Bambalan has a great 2 for £10 cocktail offer throughout the week from 4-9pm - we recommend sipping your cocktails on their huge roof terrace.
• The Coconut Tree offer ‘2 for £10’ and ‘2 for £12’ on selected Cocotails, their signature sweet and fiery cocktails.
• Kibou do a range of Japanese-inspired cocktails as well as offering an extensive whisky and sake menu.
• Four Wise Monkeys have named their signature cocktails after classic Kung Fu movies, including Fist of Fury and A Touch of Zen.
• Bar 44 have a broad selection of G&Ts and Spanish-inspired cocktails for you to pair with your tapas.
• Browns has a large bar and a great selection of cocktails for you to enjoy, as well as regular cocktail masterclasses and a daily Champagne afternoon tea.
• The Square Kitchen has a cosy cocktail terrace with a seasonal selection of 'Secret Serves' for you to choose from.

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