Southville & Bedminster

Take a saunter south of the river to find Southville, Bedminster and Totterdown. Full of independent shops, restaurants, bars, markets, urban art and city farms, this is a lively area popular with local Bristolians. 

We love this short film by Colin Moody, which captures the people, places and faces of Bedminster and Southville. 

Discover Bedminster, Bristol's thriving arts district, where street art meets independent creativity. Immerse yourself in the world of urban art, local galleries, and eclectic independent shops in this unique corner of Bristol. Find out more about Bristol's Art District.

North Street is the centre of most of the action, offering an enviable mix of independent shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and markets. The Tobacco Factory Theatres stage Shakespeare, opera, Christmas shows, comedy, puppetry and dance. Meanwhile, the adjoining Cafe Bar hosts a number of events and performances throughout the year whilst serving up a fine selection of good food and Bristol Beer Factory brews.

The area is a haven for shoppers and foodies who regularly flock to the strip for stores such as the Southville Deli, which sells fair trade, organic and wholefoods, as well as the Sunday morning market at the Tobacco Factory.

There are green spaces where you can get close to nature too, including Windmill Hill City Farm in Bedminster, a voluntary community project that runs social, environmental and educational activities as well as seasonal events.

For sports fans, Ashton Gate Stadium is the home of Bristol City FC and Bristol Bears Rugby.

From Temple Meads railway station, you can see the famous multi-coloured houses lining the hills of Totterdown. There are plenty of friendly pubs and cafes throughout the area, and Victoria Park offers incredible views over the city and the southern suburbs of Bristol.

The area is a popular spot to enjoy a relaxing drink and some great food. The Old Bookshop on North Street is famed for its distinctive mural and serves up a delicious selection of food alongside regular gigs by local talents. Head to Souk Kitchen for Lebanese cuisine, or the popular Mark's Bread for seriously good baked treats. For brilliant breakfasts, try the Lounge or Grounded, and for pre-theatre dining, head to the Tobacco Factory. There's also Michelin Bib Gourmand small plates restaurant COR if you fancy a spot of fine dining. 

Learn more about the neighbourhoods in our local guides to Totterdown, Southville and Windmill Hill.