Top Bars in Bristol – Most Viewed (2025)

Located on the lively Gloucester Road in Bristol’s Bishopston neighbourhood, The Gallimaufry is an independent bar, arts venue and music space rolled into one. The venue is known for supporting local breweries (with rotating cask ales and craft taps) and championing creative talent through live performances most nights. Inside you’ll find a warm, slightly eclectic atmosphere — mismatched furniture, artistic touches, open layouts upstairs for performances, and a sizeable terrace for outdoor drinks. Reviews highlight the friendly staff and a crowd that varies from families in the early evening to gig-goers later on. Food used to play a significant role (modern-European small plate style) but as of summer 2025, The Gallimaufry has announced a shift: while they continue operating as a bar and live-music venue, the in-house food kitchen has been paused to focus on the arts and music space. For your directory: this is a great pick for a relaxed, creative and community-rooted night out — whether you’re after craft beer, live sounds or simply a bar with character. Arrive early for shows, especially on weekends, and check their events calendar for gig listings.

Located on Whiteladies Gate (off Whiteladies Road) in Clifton, Bristol (BS8 2PH), Her Majesty’s Secret Service (HMSS) is a boutique cocktail bar with a playful espionage theme and serious cocktail craft. From the exterior you’ll spot an unassuming black door—yet once inside you’re transported into a mid-century secret service den. Think polished wood, leather booths, vintage telephone boxes and passport-style menus invoking covert missions and clandestine ops. The drink list is eclectic and imaginative: cocktails themed around British icons, with playful presentation and tailored suggestions based on your tastes. Reviewers highlight that staff are very good at listening and creating something unique for you. Although compact, the venue’s intimate size adds to the experience—ideal for pre-dinner drinks, dates or a special evening out. Booking is encouraged especially at weekends.

Nestled within the heart of Bristol’s Old City at 6-8 St Nicholas Street (BS1 1UQ), The Library is a cocktail bar with a twist: by day it runs as a stylish brasserie and afternoon-tea parlour, and by evening transforms into an intimate, hidden cocktail lounge. The entry itself sets the tone: you ring a brass bell under a copper lamp, step into what appears to be an antique bookshop, and then pass through a secret bookcase door to reveal the bar behind it. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and opulent — dark wood panelling, leather armchairs, low lighting, plush décor and a sense of quiet indulgence. The cocktail menu is thoughtfully curated: expect classic techniques with modern twists, premium spirits, and a presentation designed to match the vibe. For example, according to reviewers, “the bartenders really know their stuff” and the drinks can be strong but memorable. During the day (especially Sundays) the venue also serves a refined brunch/roast offering, giving it dual personality: from daytime dining to evening lounge. The Library maintains a smart-casual dress code; bookings are recommended especially for evenings, and table times may be limited during busy periods. Whether you’re heading in for pre-dinner drinks, an elevated post-work cocktail or a special night out, The Library offers an experience that feels both exclusive and welcoming — perfect for a refined yet relaxed evening in Bristol.

Tucked away at 9 New Street in central Bristol (near Old Market and Cabot Circus), The Volunteer Tavern offers a compelling blend of historic charm and spirited pub culture. Housed in a building over three centuries old, with wood-panelled walls and a sense of character that only decades of local patronage afford, it feels like a proper neighbourhood gathering spot. What sets this pub apart? For starters: the beer. They brew their own “Volly Pale” on-site in a custom shipping-container brew-box next door, and complement it with multiple guest ales, real ciders and keg lines. Then there’s the garden—south-facing, fully enclosed, with covered heated sections and plentiful seating under trees—an unexpected oasis in the city centre. Food is part of the story too: Sunday roasts are especially popular with regulars, and vegan/vegetarian options are available. On the events side: Monday trivia nights, music bingo, beer-garden gaming and summer live “Sound Sessions” give the place a lively week-to-week rhythm. The vibe is warm and inclusive: families welcome (especially before later hours), dogs are allowed in garden areas, and the staff are described as friendly, helpful and genuine. If you’re after a genuine pub experience in Bristol—rather than a bar chain—The Volunteer Tavern offers historic walls, local flavour and that rare mix of comfort and craft.

Nestled in Bristol’s Old City at 30 Clare Street (BS1 1YH), The Raven invites you into an immersive blend of mixology and mystique. From the moment you arrive, the mood is set: dim lighting, rich décor, a sense of intrigue. The bar’s mantra “Forget what you know, enter the house of the Raven” reflects its approach — cocktails crafted with flair, live-performers roaming the room, occasional burlesque, magic and tarot readings. Drinks-wise they offer a creative selection of handcrafted cocktails alongside more familiar classics, all served with attention to presentation. Reviews mention the bar pairs style with substance. Entertainment is part of the package: The Raven hosts tarot reading sessions regularly (Weds/Thurs/Sun) by resident seers, as well as live band sets, DJs and themed nights. For those looking for something a little different in Bristol’s cocktail scene, this spot provides that mix of elegance and edge. It works well for a date night, a soirée with friends who appreciate performance and craft, or a prelude to a late-night outing. That said, booking ahead is wise, especially for weekends and larger groups.

Located in the heart of Bristol city-centre, The Milk Thistle invites you on a journey behind a discreet façade into one of the city’s most celebrated cocktail bars. Housed in the historic “Quay Head House” on Colston Avenue (BS1 1EB), the venue spans four floors, each with its own character—from the ground-level “Parlour” bar, up to the atmospheric “Attic”, and down to “The Vault” where whisky tastings and private hire happen. When you arrive, you’ll press a buzzer at the entrance and enter the building—this gives the place a secret-club feel, though walk-ins aren’t impossible. Inside, dark wood paneling, velvet seating, taxidermy mounts (yes, including a Canadian elk named “George”), and ambient lighting combine to evoke a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. The bar’s menu emphasises creativity and craftsmanship. Their cocktail list rotates regularly and includes innovative twists on classics alongside unique signature serves. They also cater to low- and no-alcohol options, and offer a selection of wines, beers and ciders. Because of its size and layered venue structure, The Milk Thistle also works beautifully for private events—from small gatherings in “The Vault” (≈ 16 guests) to full-venue hires of up to ~120 standing. The vibe: stylish but without being overly pretentious. The Milk Thistle is perfect for pre-dinner cocktails, date nights, celebrations or an elevated evening out. On weekends it gets busier and lively, and booking in advance is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.

In the heart of Bristol city centre lies Alcotraz: Cell Block Two-Two-Six, a bar like no other. From the moment you check in, you’re treated like an inmate: there’s a security checkpoint, you change into the standard-issue orange jump-suit, and you’re ushered into the cell block. But this isn’t punishment — it’s party. Within this immersive, theatrical environment you’ll be guided by actors playing wardens and bootleggers, given the task of smuggling in your own liquor (or opting into the inclusive package), and then presented with personalised cocktails crafted by inmate-mixologists from your contraband. The design is spot on: metallic cells, gang-tagged walls, staged noir lighting and a sense that you’re part of a story rather than just visiting a bar. Reviews mention that “the set-up, actors and drinks were first class.” This experience suits group outings — hen/stag parties, birthdays, corporate team-builds — but also works for adventurous couples or cocktail fans after something memorable. It’s not your casual drink at the bar. It’s elevated, theatrical, playful. Take note: you’ll need to book, bring a sealed bottle (unless you opted for inclusive) and arrive ready to play the part.