Enjoy a warm welcome while sampling local food and drink at Bristol’s pubs, whether you opt for sipping a scrumpy cider on the quayside in the harbour, or enjoying a glass of bubbly looking out to Brunel’s iconic suspension bridge.
Take a look at our list of lush local pubs below, and take your pick from historic coaching inns, modern brewhouses and everything in between. Bristol is also blessed with many local breweries, distilleries and vineyards, many of which allow groups and tours throughout the week. Many of Bristol's pubs stock a range of local beers, ciders, gins and wine - ask for a recommendation if you're not sure!
Harbourside pubs
On sunnier days, you'll see crowds sitting outside The Ostrich and The Cottage, or taking in the harbourside views from The Grain Barge and The Pump House.
If you're walking along the harbourside, popular stops include Junction in Wapping Wharf, Arnolfini Cafe Bar on Narrow Quay and The Apple on Welsh Back.
Bristol's historic pubs
If you're looking for a pub with some real character, head to the 17th century Christmas Steps, or wood-panelled Highbury Vaults.
The Old Fish Market on Baldwin Street in the Old City is Grade II listed and is a great example of Bristol Byzantine architecture, while Horts Townhouse is also housed in a Grade II listed building from the 18th century.
A few city centre pubs claim the title of Bristol's oldest pub, including The Hatchet on Frogmore Street (parts of the building date from 1606), The Llandoger Trow on King Street (built in 1664) and Ye Shakespeare on Victoria Street (dating from 1636). Many of Bristol's historic pubs feature in famous literary works, including The Hole in the Wall serving as inspiration for The Spyglass in Treasure Island.
Just outside the city in the pretty village of Almondsbury, The Bowl Inn is formed of three former cottages which were built in the 12th century!
Country pubs near Bristol
Head out into the beautiful countryside on the doorstep of Bristol to experience a traditional country pub, where you will find home-cooked food, roaring open fires and pretty pub gardens.
Between Bristol and Bath, you'll find the riverside pub Chequers Inn in Hanham Mills, which boasts a huge beer garden overlooking the River Avon. Just a short walk along the river, the Lock Keeper in Keynsham also has a large garden and a menu of classic pub favourites.
A short drive south of Bristol and you will arrive in the scenic Chew Valley, where you can stop off for a hearty lunch or pub garden drinks at Ring o' Bells in Chew Magna, a popular choice with locals and visitors alike.
Heading further south into the picturesque Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Langford is a charming village pub with a large garden and dining area as well as several boutique bedrooms, and The Swan Inn is a Grade II-listed inn serving a range of pub favourites.
Heading further into Somerset, the 17th-century Manor House Inn in Ditcheat offers seasonal West Country dishes with a cosy rustic atmosphere, while The Swan in Wedmore serves up a popular menu of wood-fired pizzas, plus treats from the At The Chapel pop-up bakery on Wednesdays and Sundays, and all-day Sunday lunches.
If you want to try some locally-made cider, The Railway Inn in Sandford village is run by Thatchers Cider and is handily located next to their cider orchards and shop.
To the north of the city, you'll find the historic pub The Bowl Inn in Almondsbury, packed with original features and character.
The Crown in Tolldown is a 16th-century traditional inn, located a stone’s throw from Dyrham Park and in easy reach of Bath and the M4.
Bristol breweries and taprooms
One of the most exciting areas of Bristol's food and drink scene is its abundance of brilliant breweries, and we've got almost 20 in and around the city!
Whether you choose a pale ale made by Wiper and True, an award-winning Keller Pils from Lost & Grounded Brewers or a silky Milk Stout from Bristol Beer Factory, you're never far from a tasty Bristol-made beverage. Head to The Cider Box in St Phillips to try a range of locally-made ciders.
There are plenty of opportunities to try a locally-made beer, whether you visit one of the city's brilliant pubs or brewery taprooms, or go on a craft beer tour around town.
Several pubs in town also brew their own small batches for you to try, including King Street Brew House and The Merchant of Cotham. Many of Bristol's breweries also offer tours and experiences, from beer tasting to brewing your very own beer.
We also have several beer-tastic events throughout the year, including the East Bristol Brewery Trail and the Bristol Craft Beer Festival. Many local pubs also hold their own mini beer festivals throughout the year, so keep an eye on our events calendar.
