Date night, a night on the town, or your next Bristol hen do… whatever the occasion, when in Bristol, you’re not short of places to go when it’s Cocktail O’clock! Which is why we thought it’s about time we created a list of the very best cocktail bars in the city. From hidden hideaways to popular, buzzing bars, you’ll find something to suit all occasions. Sit back, relax and discover some of the best boozy gems in the South West…
Hyde & Co.
“Come in, old sport!” This low-lit speakeasy bar, inspired by the prohibition era, is giving us all the Great Gatsby vibes. The venue has an unmarked, locked entrance, but once you get inside, you’ll feel just like Daisy Buchanan as you leave the bustling streets of the city behind you and step into this swanky den. Go to town on Instagram as you capture the aesthetic interior and your equally attractive, creative, award-winning cocktails. Don’t miss out on enjoying a drink in one of Bristol’s first-ever hidden cocktail bars.
Tastiest Tipple: 🍸 Mauretania – Woodford Reserve, Lot 40, Passionfruit, Tarragon, Ginger Kombucha.
Lola Lo
Leave rainy old England behind you, and step into a tropical paradise! As soon as you step into this buzzing Tiki Bar, you know you’re in for a good night. This North-African styled nightclub, boasts loads a beautiful interior, decked with disco balls, palms tress and more, tonnes of events, and lots of colourful, tropical cocktails to quench your thirst! From Pina Colada’s to Tequila Sunsets, there’s sweet treats for everyone. You can even learn how to make them for yourselves in their cocktail class!
Tastiest Tipple: 🍸 Green Lagoon – Vodka, Midori, Lemonade, Lime Puree
Red Light
“Roxxxanne! You don’t have to put on your red light… you can come to this cosy little haven for a tasty tipple instead!” So sang Sting after he’d taken his last sip of a delicious cocktail in this glamorous, retro speakeasy (Well, probably, but don’t quote us on that!). Lit by retro lampshades and a promiscuous neon sign, Red Light is a sight to behold. As are the bartenders in braces, who’ll shake you up some fantastic forward-thinking classics and exciting new creations. This sultry drinking den simply can’t be missed.
The Clockwork Rose
Back in 2017, Bristol opened its very first steam-powered inspired bar and, quite frankly, we don’t know why anyone hadn’t thought of it earlier! But thankfully The Clockwork Rose came along and opened this treasure trove of fascinating stories, steam-powered machinery aesthetics and sophisticated, tantalising tipples. Their staff work like clockwork to bring you an exciting range of cocktails as well as lots of local craft beers and cider. Gather the girls and boys, grab a drink, and share some stories of your own.
Tastiest Tipple: 🍸 Life of a Lady – Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, Lychee juice, Fresh mint, Rose Water, Lemon Juice, Campari.
To The Moon
We thank our lucky stars that this funky little joint opened up in Bristol and blessed us with their out-of-this-world cocktails! This special, welcoming watering hole is filled DJ sets, bangin’ tunes, beautiful murals, reclaimed furniture, artisan cocktails and good vibes only! During the day the glass ceiling floods the room with natural light and, when the sun sets, it’s a cosy, memorable place to spend the night as you pass the time stargazing and sipping your decadent drinks. We love it to the moon and all the way back to Bristol.
Tastiest Tipple: 🍸 Honey Moon – Woods 100 Navy Rum, Old J Silver Spiced Rum, Brugal Anejo Rum & Honey Syrup.
Flipside Cocktail Club
The next time you take a wander along Whiteladies Road, be sure to swing by The Flipside Cocktail Club (you can thank us later!). Bristol may offer brilliant hidden bars but, on the flipside, they can be tough to find. If you feel like “ain’t nobody got time for that” and you’re simply looking for a relaxed ambience, quality cocktails and a darn good time, then this is the bar for you. You’ll find spirits from all over the world, great DJs, a lovely beer garden and tasty tasty drinks. So, guess we’ll catch you on the…
Tastiest Tipple: 🍸 French Martini – Absolut Rapberri Vodka, Berry Liqueur, Pineapple, Lemon.
Amoeba
Hidden away in the stunning Clifton Village lies Amoeba, a beautiful, stylish cocktail lounge. Unpretentious and understated, Amoeba lets their cocktails speak for themselves. They offer and range of classic and unique drinks, which are all made using fresh, quality ingredients that’ll awaken your senses and bring you back to life! They also offer over seventy craft beers from around the globe! So beer swiggers and cocktail lovers alike can treat themselves to their favourite tipples in this cosy, candle-lit gem.
Tastiest Tipple: 🍸 Chanel No.5 – Stolichnaya Vodka, Fresh Raspberries, and Ginger Beer.
Cosy Club
These guys need no introduction, you may well have spent an evening hiding from the rain and chilling out in one of Cosy Club’s fabulous bars. We’ve been to a few ourselves, but the one in Bristol is our personal favourite. Set in a grand, Neo-Palladian style building in the Old City, Cosy Club combines an elegant, stunning interior with a laid back, welcoming ambience to create a totally unmissable drinking experience. Get your hands on a tongue-tickling Cosy Club cocktail, sit back, and soak up the grandeur!
Tastiest Tipple: 🍸 Rhubarb & Ginger Bramble – Tanqueray Gin, Rhubarb, Ginger, Lemon, Cassis, Blackberries.
Bambalan
“Whoa Black Betty, Bambalan!” We’re always ready for a bev at Bambalan and we go wild for their flavourful, aromatic, lip-smackingly-good boozy treats. If you’re looking for expertly crafted drinks, stunning rooftop terrace views and a game of ping pong/foosball, Bambalan is your man! Just a heads up, their cocktail hour is 4pm – 7pm, and after 7pm their drinks still come at pretty decent prices that won’t break the cocktail kitty. They also offer lots of healthy, delicious food if you’re feeling peckish. YES, BAMBALAN! (Sorry, we just love saying it.)
Tastiest Tipple: 🍸 Pink Panther – Ruby Grapefruit (infused with Vodka), Campari, Lemon Juice, Soda.
The Love Inn
To quote Will Ferrell in Elf, “I’m in love, I’m in love and I don’t care who knows it!” This funky, trendy little gem is based in the heart of Stokes Croft and it is a beaut. Boasting a bright interior, delightful drinks, live music, and a lovely little courtyard garden, there’s always something going on at this love shack. They also offer delicious Italian food to accompany your aperitif. Step away from the “awritee my luverr” chat up lines you get from the usual Friday night crowds and let the love in at this great little bar that gives you all the love you need.
Tastiest Tipple: 🍸 Raspberry Rip-Off – Vanilla Vodka, Chambord, Lemon Juice, Sugar, Ginger Ale.
Pitcher & Piano
For those of you who haven’t stumbled upon this brilliant bar in a city near you, let me put you in the picture. Escape the hustle and bustle of the streets and treat yo’ self to an evening of refinement and total luxury. Whether you’re looking for a special, bubbly brunch, after-work drinks, or a night on the town, Pitcher & Piano is a great place to enjoy some quality time with your fave people. So pour us a drink, you’re the Piano (& Pitcher) Man!
Tastiest Tipple: 🍸 Strawberry & Rose Cosmopolitan – Vodka, Lanique Spirit of Rose, Strawberry Puree, Cranberry Juice, Lime Juice, Sugar Syrup.
Aluna
“Come with me, and you’ll be, in a world of pure imagination…” i.e. Aluna in Bristol. Based in Broadway, this swanky saloon is a truly exciting speakeasy. We have a theory that they don’t use ingredients or regular spirits, but magical potions to concoct their crazy, unique, delicious cocktails. Head inside, browse the menu, and the mixologists will conjure you up a delicate, fragrant cocktail to please the palate and delight the senses. Keep a close eye on them as they get shaking and stirring, and if they whip out a wand at any point, do let us know.
Tastiest Tipple: 🍸 Salted Caramel Sensation – Frangelico, Mozart Gold, Cream, Caramel, Salt, Digestive Rim.
The Rummer Hotel
Set in a stunning 1740s building, this historic inn offers delicious pub food, tasty brunches and some insta-worthy cocktails. This laidback, indie den is a great place to kick back and relax in the heart of Bristol’s Old City. Grab one of their award-winning craft cocktails, cosy up by the wood-burning stove in the winter, and when the sun shows its face in summer, you can enjoy a refreshing bev outside in St Nicholas market. Once you’ve checked in at the Rummer Hotel, you’ll never want to leave.
Tastiest Tipple: 🍸 Twinkle – Vodka, Elderflower Cordial, Prosecco
Be At One
If you’re looking for a classy, stylish place to kickstart your night, then we can safely say that Be At One will not let you down. Based in Clifton Village, Bristol’s beautiful suburb, Be At One is the place to head when it’s cocktail o’clock. Enjoy their bangin’ playlist, super-friendly staff, and one (or three) of their naughty but nice cocktails… whatever your taste, they’ve got colours, flavours and treats to suit all! If you’re overwhelmed by their brilliant selection, just pick your faviorate cocktail name; “Tropic Like It’s Hot”, “Christmas Stocking”, “Dazed & Confused”, they’re music to our ears!
Tastiest Tipple: 🍸 Bit of Me – Hendrick’s gin, rhubarb, strawberry, soda
