Taking in all of Bristol’s wonderful sites can be thirsty work! There’s so much to see, from Brunel’s mighty SS Great Britain to the magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge – you’ll definitely be glad of some liquid refreshment during your stay.
It's not just about Bristol's pubs and cocktail bars, the city is also packed to the rafters with some great local producers of your favourite tipples.
As well as having many establishments dedicated to the well-known West Country favourite cider, Bristol is also big on beers, wines and spirits. Here are some of the city’s heady highlights:
Breweries
If you’ve been for a pint in the city before, chances are you’ll have had a Bristol Beer Factory brew. They make over eight types of bottled ales, seven different cask ales and up to five specials each year – many of which are regulars in the watering holes around town. Local favourites include Southville Hop, a loud and proud American style IPA, and Seven, a traditional English bitter with mellow toffee malt tones.
The two-hour Bristol Beer Factory Tour takes you round the Southville brewery for a look behind-the-scenes plus a brief history of brewing in Bedminster. As well as being treated to draft beer samples on-site, you’ll also get a bottle of beer and a Bristol Beer Factory glass to take home as a souvenir.
Vineyards
Whilst you’re in town, wine not pay a visit to the largest vineyard in Somerset?! Aldwick Estate produces award-winning English wines – white, rosé and sparkling. This idyllic vineyard will give you a glimpse of country life in this peaceful part of the world as well as an insight into the intricacies of English viticulture. And don’t worry, you won’t leave without enjoying some rather fine vintages…
Distilleries
Liquor lovers! Ginthusiasts! You’ve come to the right place… indulge your predilection for the strong stuff on one of Bristol’s fantastic distillery tours.
The story of artisan spirit makers, Bramley and Gage, is steeped in the rolling hills of the South West. The family behind the popular 6 O’clock gins (including sloe and damson) pride themselves on using only whole fruits that grow naturally outdoors in the UK and not adding any colourings or preservatives. Get a taste for what they do on one of their 6 O’clock Gin Distillery Tours in Thornbury, where all the magic happens ‘from botanicals to bottling’. The tour includes a tutored tasting plus a glass of ‘Ginspiration’.
To sample super small batch gins, check out one of Psychopomp’s regular tastings at their new bar on St Michael’s Hill, Cotham. The Victorian apothecary vibe is just right for trying the sorts of craft concoctions made here such as Wõden, a gin blended with juniper and aged on new French oak and Charun, a summer blend starring angelica root, elderflower and cherry wood.
You can also visit their sister distillery Circumstance for a tour and tasting of their range of grain spirits, including the first whisky to be made in Bristol for over 80 years.
There are plenty of other food and drink experiences in Bristol if you're looking for something to make your trip extra memorable, whether you opt for cookery lessons or a trip to one of the city's finest restaurants.
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