ALL BAR ONE
47 Corn St, BS1 1HT. Tel: 0117 930 4762 • Eternally popular Corn Street fave where an impressive drinks array includes a dozen continental beers and 40 wines from £13.95-£24.95 per bottle, with most available by the glass. Whatever you’re drinking it will go sweetly with the current summer menu which brings crispy duck and noodle salad alongside enduring winners like fish & chips and bangers & mash. Outside porch under which to puff away • Housed in a listed Georgian building (once a bank).
AMOEBA
10 Kings Rd (off Boyces Ave), Clifton, BS8 4AB. Tel: 0117 946 6461, web: www.amoebaclifton.co.uk • Getting a name for its private parties of 30-100 people celebrating 30ths, anniversaries, engagements etc. Indeed, if your shindig was 50-strong, each person could try a different beer or cider from around the globe. From British banana bread beer, steam beers and Belgian fruit beers to Jamaican stout and New York Vienna-style lager, there's a world of choice. Around 50 cocktails made using top-notch spirits – rums, whiskies and gins in particular – from a wide range. The events schedule offers weekly resident DJs, cocktail masterclasses, spirits/beers seminars and tastings, and bank holiday Sunday garden parties. Two cocktails for £9 until 9pm daily • Eclectic, laidback, friendly bar, upbeat and lively with pirate boudoir chic and quality drinks.
ANTIX
44 Park St. Tel: 0117 925 1139, web: www.barantix.com • Two venues in one: recently redecorated Antix, the ground-level café/bar, and Attix, the first-floor private hire cocktail bar. Impressive newly introduced drink selection across draughts and bottles takes in Staropramen, Hoegaarden, Blackthorn, Stella, Becks, London Pride, Tyskie, Budweiser, Brothers, Bulmers, Thatchers Gold and more, beside Moet and Dom Perignon champagnes. New and classic cocktails, wines, spirits and shooters. Excellent food ranges from cake with your coffee to a fine three-course meal, with the sublime dessert Venue’s chap enjoyed an enduring favourite. Awning and heating by the big front windows • Recommended by the tourist board as one of Bristol’s safest venues.
THE APPLE
Welsh Back, BS1 4SB. Tel: 0117 925 3500, web: www.applecider.co.uk • Since opening in September 2006, The Apple has defined wonderfully the zider zeitgeist. Our chap has dropped in on a couple of occasions, noting two Andy Capp-type blokes and two Sugababes-type ladies on his most recent visit, drawn by drink offerings which are similarly diverse. The hardcore get 8.4% signature sup Old Bristolian (in half-pints only) and Cheddar Valley; Glasto gals in decorated wellies will find Pear Festival Strength amid a three-strong Brothers-hood; non-purists can openly enjoy Magners over ice or two kinds of Kopparberg while connoisseurs savour Somerset cider brandy, apple eau de vie, apple aperitif or calvados. The food and entertainment are similarly modern interpretations of classics, with ploughman’s recipes voted the UK’s best incorporating French and Spanish flavours. Bijou wine list, bottles and cans convey Corona, Gem, Fosters, San Miguel and Red Stripe • May well serve a wider cider range (40-strong) than any other bar on earth.
AQUA ITALIA RESTAURANT & BAR
Welsh Back, BS1 4RR. Tel: 0117 915 6060, web: www.aqua-restaurant.com • Praised by Venue for its “light and stylish spaciousness”, this enduring fave boasts a great location overlooking the water and is the perfect venue for all occasions. The older of the two Aqua eateries in Bristol, the stylish lounge bar opens onto the riverside terrace where you can enjoy heated alfresco drinking and dining until late. Wine list is 25 strong and expertly chosen, with cocktail options almost as numerous. There’s Peroni on draught, with bottles taking in Gem, Gaymers cider, Hoegaarden and more. Menus are thoughtfully tailored using locally sourced produce: the Aqua Classico menu offers two courses for £11.50 from 12noon-7pm Sun-Fri and 12noon-6pm Sat. Extensive a la carte includes the likes of seared tuna salad, smoked chicken & asparagus pasta as well as grilled pork chop and plenty more besides. Sunday lunch features excellent-value roasts for £10.95 and papers over which to pore. Heated smoking area • A dozen years at the top of its game and the local dining rankings.
AQUA ITALIA RESTAURANT & BAR
153 Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, BS8 2RF. Tel 0117 973 3314, web: www.aqua-restaurant.com • Bringing a high-calibre slice of Calabria to Clifton, the stylish front terrace at this Grade II-listed building catches more rays than Rimini. The Italian menu here is thoughtfully tailored to tempt with Italian cocktails, aperitifs, grappas, espresso coffees and an extensive Italian wine list similarly irresistible; the cellar boasts good, reasonably priced bottles plus some treats for the aficionado. Peroni on draught and in bottles, plus Heineken, Hoegaarden, Gaymers and Bath Ales’ Gem, but irrespective of what you’re drinking, you’ll live la dolce vita here • Two-for-one bellinis 12noon-7.30pm.
ARNOLFINI
16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA. Tel: 0117 917 2300, web: www.arnolfini.org.uk • The best things in life might not be free but they’re not far off at a Bristol legend where manager Tia Sturgess runs a tight ship. Sitting on the Arnolfini’s cobbles with your drink in the sun is a distinctly affordable pleasure; choose from the likes of Bristol Beer Factory’s Milk Stout, Bristol Hefe or Exhibition, Estrella, Red Stripe, Moretti, Stowford Press, Sagres, Erdinger, Westons apple and pear ciders and Bristol Ciderworks’ cider. Four reds and four whites, seasonal cocktails (plus cocktail tea!) plus soft drinks from Rock’s and Belvoir beside homemade lemonade and ginger beer. Food-wise, Italian-inspired menus change seasonally. Cool interior enhanced by Tia’s impeccable iPod selection • Recently launched games night lets you make new friends… or enemies.
ARTS HOUSE
108a Stokes Croft. Tel: 0117 923 2858, web: www.theartshouse.org • Opened in the autumn 2009 with an exhibition featuring Jamie Hewlett’s work. Bottled lagers are Peroni, Red Stripe and Sol with Gem, Dark Hare, Wild Hare, Golden Hare and Rare Hare their beer brothers and Westons Organic, Westons Organic Pear and Thatchers Gold their cider sisters. The front door is often welcomingly left open but the only draught you’ll get here is the boxed Old Rosie. Three reds and whites outnumbered by a large spirit and mixer selection with the fine cocktail range including Long Island, Mojito, Dark ’n’ Stormy, Rob Roy, White Russian and Cosmopolitan. Thursday is open mic nights and you’ll also find regular folk, jazz, blues and gyspy gigs, fringe theatre, monthly magic nights and much more. Our man found a local dance therapist using the wi-fi and copped a cool Gene Hackman film in the sofa-enhanced downstairs lounge • Ongoing programme of monthly exhibitions showcasing local artists’ work.
BANCO LOUNGE
107 Wells Rd, BS4 2BS. Tel: 0117 908 6010 • Once a Lloyds TSB branch, as with all the others in the Lounge family this is laidback, friendly and relaxed (so not very much like a bank). Where once you would have found bankers’ drafts, you’ll find Estrella Damm, Stella 4, Becks Vier, Darkside (Bath Ales’ stout), Togaman bitter and Stowford Press cider on draught. Bottles include Peroni, Corona, Leffe Blonde, Hoegaarden, Westons Organic and Bath Ales’ Gem. Also in the fridge is Orchard Pig cider, quite the accompaniment to food, apparently. Solid cocktail selection. Good food and specials served all day every day with offers including Monday’s burger and brownie discount and similar value on Tapas Tuesday. Sunday quiz sees the winners take the pot and a crate of beer or some wine • The wine cellar here was the bank’s vault.
NEW BANK OF STOKES CROFT
84a Stokes Croft, BS1 3QY. Tel: 0117 923 2565, web: www.thebankofstokescroft.com • A Venue Top Banana runner-up within months of opening: our man dropped in and was immediately put in mind of Manchester’s Dry bar. This latest offering from Dave Smeaton and James Savage (of Big Chill, The Park and Spotted Cow fame) gives them a presence north of Bristol’s centre, filling a void created by the closure of Gloucester Road’s much-missed North. Dave retains his Mancunian accent and smiles at the highly-valid comparison. If your throat’s dry, try a draught Gem, Spa, Becks Vier, Estrella Damm, Red Stripe, Thatchers Gold or Weston’s Old Rosie. Bottles bring the eye-wateringly rare Phoenix Lager from Mauritius beside Singha, Blue Moon, Mondelo Speciale and more, as well as five red and four white. “Food is central to proceedings,” wrote our man who enjoyed one of the, “wilfully flavoursome pizzas… while (assistant manager) Jes (Rowlands) speaks rapturously of the horseradish dumplings accompanying the beef and Bath Ale stew.” Music’s similarly central, with DJs Thur-Sat of the calibre of Dutty Girl and DJ Derek. Cutting-edge artwork adorns the bar, with artists invited to display. Heaters and covers • Check the bank vault, complete with door, still in place. Brunch deal brings full English and bloody Mary for £5.50 11am-3pm daily.
BAR 100
Bristol University Students’ Union, Queens Rd, Clifton, BS8 1LQ. Tel: 0117 954 5858 • Major refurbishments due in the next two/three years are likely to see an eventual change of name. Studes and non-studes alike equally invited to a bar open Mon-Sat 4pm-12midnight and Sun 2-11pm for two Wickwar ales plus guest, Weston’s and Brothers ciders, and lagers like Kronenbourg and Carlsberg. October ale (or similar) week to tie-in with the freshers’ arrival • Whisky deals helped celebrate January’s Burns Night.
BAR CELONA
91 Regent St, Kingswood, BS15 8LJ. Tel: 0117 961 9311, web: www.bar-celona-bristol.co.uk • Stylish bar offering excellent food and drink with service warmer than a Catalan sunrise. Quaff Stella Artois and Stella 4, Flowers IPA, (bottled) Newcie Brown, something by Brothers or Bulmers, or savour a choice from the 15-strong wine list. The sangria’s better than you’ll find on your hols. Roof garden with canopies currently open only until 6pm • Karaoke on Thur, Passion Radio DJ does his stuff on Sun, comedy returns in September.
BAR HUMBUG
89 Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2NT. Tel: 0117 904 0061, web: www.barhumbug.co.uk • Vibrant cocktail haven slap-bang in the heart of Whiteladies mayhem. There are 18 on offer, but if that’s not your glass of elderflower Collins, pick something from bottles including Corona, Budweiser, Peroni, Tiger, Asahi, Leffe, Bulmers, Addlestones, Brothers, Spitfire and Gem, with Staropramen, Becks, Purity Brewery’s Ubu Ale, Thatchers and Peroni among the draughts. Suntrap terrace out front, where there’s space for 20. Heated and covered smoking area • Warm and cheery atmosphere keeps punters coming back.
OPENING BAR PAM PAM
Queen’s Ave, Clifton. Tel: 0117 973 1249 • There’s a bit of a back-to-the-noughties thing here with late-night bar Joe Public’s set to close at the start of July only to reopen as Bar Pam Pam in August. Readers may recall Pam Pam’s stylish vibe back in the day • Will the very funky car, aeroplane and cinema seats survive the refurb?
THE BAY
4-6 North St, Bedminster, BS3 1HT. Tel: 0117 953 1446 • Wide drinks range includes draughts such as Wickwar BOB, Doom Bar, Carling, Becks, Grolsch, Stella, Coors Light, Thatchers and Blackthorn. Westons Organic and Pear come in bottles, as do Desperados and Kopparberg with cocktails and shooters fuelling the fun. Filled breads, pastas, salads, grills and summer barbecues among the sound dining choices. Smokers get an umbrella with heating to return come the cold weather • DJs Friday and Sunday.
BEESES BAR AND TEA GARDENS
Wyndham Crescent, Broomhill, BS4 4SX. Tel: 0117 977 7412, web: www.beeses.co.uk • Beeses Tea Gardens was founded in 1846, but try telling a local at the time that one day their drink details would be communicated via Twitter and they’d look at you like you were the devil himself. Host and hostess Phil and Lindy are doing exemplarily in maintaining this much-loved spot’s reputation for hospitality, dining and drinking and their tweets always make amusing reading. Since May the world’s been told of the Brewers Gold seemingly coming and going in a day, replaced by Chuffin’ Ale. Encouragement to all to enjoy a “post-work livener” saw the Maiden Voyage finished off and the Tunnel Vision racked up. Doubtless there’ll be Usain Bolt-esque turnarounds when the 24 ales and eight ciders are being enjoyed at Beeses’ sixth festival come 9-11 September when you’ll cop for ace bands, food and fun. Before then, you’ll find Butcombe and guests, monthly open mics, live bands twice monthly and “food worth the journey alone”, according to our ever-impressed man. Indeed, when he last dropped in he bumped into a mate and his mate, the former coming here – from Surrey – to chill over pints, papers and burgers, proof a place as good as this is very hard to find. Open until 2 Oct: Wed 4-8pm, Thur 4-11pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-11pm, Sun 11am-7pm, bank hols 12noon-7pm • Bagged Top Banana recognition at the end of 2010.
THE BIG CHILL BAR
15 Small St, BS1 1DE. Tel: 0117 930 4217, web: www.bigchill.net/bristol • A couple of our food writers have chilled bigly here. Main chap’s guest enjoyed a mojito – cocktails being a Big Chill speciality – and he savoured a “superbly made dry Martini” before dining. “There’s no doubt that the quality of festival food has improved greatly over the last few years but if it ever reaches the standard of the meal that followed I may begin to forget about the music altogether.” Our main foodie’s also our jazz dude, so that’s praise indeed. His foot soldier has dropped in more recently, praising the “year-round festival feel”. While you’re not guaranteed trench foot here, you can wander around trying to find mates while carrying a glass of Amstel, Budvar, Sagres, Symonds, Green Goblin or a Bath Ales beer. Eleven cocktails on the list (with two-for-one offer all-day Mon-Thur), with tequila shots fuelling the fun. Awesomely flavoursome burgers. Covered and heated smoking area. Our second man concluded: “Outstanding in its field? You’re not, it is." • Top Bristol Bar in 2009’s Top Bananas.
BIJOU
135 Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2PL. Tel: 0117 970 6589, web: www.barbijou.co.uk • Stylish and intimate lounge/bar. As the name suggests, premises are small but perfectly formed, with opening hours on the petite side too – Thur 10pm-2am, Fri 10pm-3am and Sat 9pm-3am. This free-entry spot can also be hired for free for private parties during and before these hours and on other days, so there’s no need for the fun to stop. DJs spin Fri and Sat as punters enjoy around 40 cocktails, champers and bottles like Corona, Grolsch, Tiger, Bulmers and Brothers • Two-for-one offers on Thursdays.
BOCABAR
Paintworks, Bath Rd, Arnos Vale, BS4 3EH. Tel: 0117 972 8838, web: www.bocabar.co.uk • Offers an impressive setting whether indoors amid Manhattan loft-style sophistication or outside on the sizable terrace with its invitingly comfy seating. Across bottles and draughts you’ll find Innis & Gunn, Fru Kolsch, Dos Equis, Modelo, Menabrea, Budvar, Westmalle, Chimay and a Bath Ales beer joined by two guests with a cider quartet comprising Westons, Stowford Press, Orchard Pig and Bounders. Extensive wine and cocktails lists. Two bands and two DJs every month • “It’s delightful when dark, there’s nowhere as comfortable in Bristol,” says manager Kit McKenzie.
BORDEAUX QUAY
V-Shed, Canons Way, BS1 5UH. Tel: 0117 906 5550, web: www.bordeaux-quay.co.uk • Adherence to sound principles makes for particularly refreshing drinking at Bordeaux Quay, a location with connections to wine importation going back centuries. Want to know more? One-day wine tasting classes are due in September, October, November this year and in February 2012. Gigantic spirit and liqueur range plus tens of cocktails. The wine list is extensive and organic, with other options including Bath Ales’ brews, fruit beers and low-alcohol options. This vast, impressive operation extends over several areas on two floors, with nibbly grub in the brasserie and a generous covered smoking area • Quench your thirst without troubling your conscience via an exemplary drinks range.
NEW THE BOTANIST BRISTOL
Berkeley Square, Triangle, BS8 1HP. Tel: 0117 927 7333, web: www.thebotanistbristol.co.uk • Located where Ha! Ha! Bar & Grill stood and carrying on with the cut-above drink offerings long enjoyed at this architecturally impressive setting. The wine list stands 45-strong, breaking down into 15 white, 16 red, five rosés and nine sparkling wines and champagnes. Large spirit and cocktail range plus similarly diverse beer, cider and lager options. Across draughts and bottles you’ll find Amstel, Peroni, Becks, Heineken, Aspalls, Thatchers Heritage, Doom Bar and Gem. More eclectic drinks include Kasteel Cru, Kasteel Cru Rose, Cusquena, Duvel, Vedette, Vedette Blonde, Crabbies and Rekorderlig, with drivers getting Becks non-alcoholic. Drinking Out West’s bigger sibling, Eating Out West, was told The Botanist would be a “more food-oriented operation” than its predecessor; if the drinks are this good, the modern English dining with a Mediterranean twist must be worth checking out. Open Sun-Thur 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat 8am-12midnight.
BRISTOL BEAR BAR
2-3 West St, BS2 0DF. Web: www.bristolbearbar.co.uk • Britain’s first bespoke Bear Bar (that’s a place for hairy gay men, for those who didn’t know); compact one-room bar in the middle of Bristol’s gay village that gets phenomenally busy on Fridays and Saturdays. Plenty of lagers on tap • Open until 2am at weekends.
BROWNS
38 Queen’s Rd, BS8 1RE. Tel: 0117 930 4777, web: www.browns-restaurants.com • Our chap sought to go out on a high when choosing Venue’s last weekly bar of the issue feature and Browns fitted the bill admirably. This bold building, modelled on Venice’s Doge’s Palace, boasts an attractive front terrace as suited to alfresco drinking and dining as it is to sparking up. Researching on the year’s first hot Friday afternoon was thirsty work, with Peroni and Veltins helping our man keep his cool. Amstel, Pilsner Urquell and Kozel complete the cut-above lagers on draught here, with Old Speckled Hen and Aspall similarly on tap and Innis & Gunn coming in bottles. Both red and white start at £13.45 a bottle, with the former bringing 34 choices and the latter 26. Seven bottles of rosé start at £13.95. Become a ‘friend of Browns’ and you’ll receive vouchers for two courses for two people plus a bottle of wine for £29 (Sun-Thur) or £35 (Fri-Sat), food being a mix of Mediterranean, English and European. For a little affordable luxury, afternoon tea starts at £6.95 with upgrades to champagne and Hendricks versions available. Jumbrellas and heaters outside, baby grand piano indoors • When it shines, Browns is golden.
BSB CORN STREET BRASSERIE & LATE VENUE
41 Corn St, BS1 1HT (opposite NatWest). Tel: 0117 911 4950, web: www.bsbbars.co.uk • Business crowd by day and slinky chicks and dressed-up dudes with hands in the air when DJs take the party into the small hours. Top cocktails and extensive beer selection plus food to keep the partying hearty • An instant Corn Street classic.
BSB THE WATERSIDE BRASSERIE & LATE VENUE
U-Shed, Canons Rd, BS1 5UH. Tel: 0117 911 4950, web: www.bsbbars.co.uk • Sleek and stylish yet accessible bar where you’re equally at home getting coffee, a lunchtime pint or several later on, with bottles and cocktails to widen your options • Views across the harbour complete this ace place’s appeal.
BURGER JOINT
32 Cotham Hill. Cotham, BS6 6LA. Tel: 0117 329 0887, web: www.theburgerjoint.co.uk • The introduction of a venison variety since last year’s guide confirms the quality writ large at this high-end burger bar. Carefully chosen, locally sourced ingredients like prime beef and Welsh lamb go into freshly prepared and cooked burgers. Alcoholic drinks include Peroni, Corona, Stella and Thatcher’s Gold (served in frozen glasses), with ale aficionados getting Bristol No 7 and wine lovers’ options comprising three reds, as many whites, one rosé and a guest. The regular milkshake choices are supplemented by a milkshake-of-the-week which usually boasts a chocolate bar flavour. Smoothies provide more alcohol-free options. Burgers can be taken away or enjoyed in the restaurant with its laidback mood and contemporary feel. “I want to provide an outstanding dining experience for an outstanding price,” proprietor Dan Bekhradnia told DOW. Open Sun-Thur 12noon-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11.30pm • Look out for a local festival presence this summer.
BYZANTIUM
2 Portwall Lane, Redcliffe, BS1 6NB. Tel: 0117 922 1883, web: www.byzantium.co.uk • Byzantium has been regarded as one of the South West's premier nightspots since launching around 13 years ago, but extended opening hours in recent years have made this a daytime destination for quality cuisine in sumptuous surroundings. There’s a candlelit bar and lounge area on the ground floor and a spacious dining room above, linked by a sweeping marble staircase. Byzantium’s evening buzz offers pre-dinner drinks, choice dining, their unique two-tier dessert lantern and cabaret-style entertainment. Extensive wine list covers old and new world varieties, there’s a classic cocktail list and the bar also stocks some more unusual aperitifs, spirits and liqueurs. Larger glasses get filled with Grolsch, Gem and Magners. Open Tue-Sat 12noon-late, Sun-Mon available for private parties • The atmospheric dining room is complemented by the backdrop of St Mary Redcliffe church and the theatre of the open-plan kitchen.
CAFÉ BAR @ THE TOBACCO FACTORY
Raleigh Rd, Southville, BS3 1TF. Tel: 0117 902 0060, web: www.tobaccofactory.com • The quality menu has a distinctively Med feel, with excellent-value mezze. Draughts include Bristol Beer Factory’s extremely-locally-brewed No 7, Sunrise, Acer and Bristol Stout plus Bounders and Ashton Press ciders and Grolsch lager. Bottles offer Weston’s Organic, Brothers Pear, Sol and Peroni among others, with Pimms scrummy for summer. Popular with a young, funky crowd as well as locals and theatregoers. Contemporary-chic warehouse design and Sunday-chill atmosphere. Outside area with open yard, covered terrace and bar plus blankets to keep you warm eco-friendlily • Children welcome in the cafe-bar till 9pm. Highchairs and baby-changing facilities available.
CAFÉ ROUGE
85 Park St, BS1 5PJ. Tel: 0117 929 2571; Unit SU51A, Cabot Circus, BS1 3BD. Tel: 0117 954 4808; Unit R4, The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, BS10 7TG. Tel: 0117 950 8730, web: www.caferouge.co.uk • Chilled, candlelit and serving English/French food from breakfast through until later. Drinks include Stella on draught, with bottles holding Brittany cider, Leffe, Hoegaarden and more. Great selection of French wines, many available by the glass. The Prix Fixe menu offers great deals to early diners. Canopy covers smokers out front. Excellent disabled facilities, including braille menus. NHS discount and Gourmet Card offers • Joyeux Noël! Look out for Christmas cocktails. Citron pressé is a do-it-yourself soft drink available year-round.
CHE*S CAFÉ BAR
3 Welsh Back, BS1 4SL. Tel: 0117 930 4034 • Cuban memorabilia on the walls, Peroni, San Miguel, Corona, Gem and Bulmers on hand to toast the eponymous cult hero. Nippers, and those so-inclined, get lovely milkshakes and fruit juices to accompany food in the region of omelettes, ciabattas, chilli and more • Two terraces for alfresco eating and drinking.
CHIMP HOUSE
232 Gloucester Rd, Bishopston, BS7 8NZ. Tel 0117 944 3092 • Draughts include Grolsch, Becks Vier and real ales such as Doom Bar, Cheddar Ales or Arbor Ales plus Stowford Press and Thatchers Gold, with Casa Diablo among the wines. Stocks dinky cans of Guinness, billed as “the smallest cask in the world”. Crabbies Alcoholic Ginger Beer and big-name branded spirits also here. There’s a Balinese flavour to the garden’s décor, with a eucalyptus tree adding an exotic touch. Covered and heated smoking area. Open Wed-Sat 6pm-12midnight, hosts numerous private parties at other times • Cook-your-own barbecue (with help from the chef) on weekends.
CLIFTON WINE BAR
4 Richmond Terrace, Clifton, BS8 1AB. Tel: 0117 973 2069 • Stylish, warren-like institution with a relaxed atmosphere and good food. A dozen draughts take in five lagers – Kronie, Fosters, Amstel, Heineken and Peroni, three real ales (Wadworth 6X being permanent), Stowford Press, Thatchers Gold, Erdinger and Murphys. As we go to press, Westons boxed cider is being trialled. Bottles include four ciders, with wine options comprising five reds, six whites and two sparklers. Heated and covered smoking area. Non-alcoholic Crabbies ensure those not drinking don’t get crabby • Barbecues may return come summer.
COSIES
34 Portland Sq, BS2 8RG. Tel: 0117 942 4110, web: www.cosies.co.uk • Venue’s reigning Top Banana when it comes to Bristol bars where uber ace boss Jo Drury continues to raise the, erm, bar. Draughts bring Becks Vier, Stella, Staropramen, Butcombe Blonde Premium and Ashton Press, with the ever-changing real ale Maiden Voyage at time of going to press. In bottles you’ll find the hard-to-find Dragon Stout beside the likes of Thatchers Gold, Corona, Peroni, Budvar, Red Stripe and Katy. The suits drop in by day, with 10 whites and 10 reds making for lovely liquid lunches. Pago juices ensure clear heads for afternoon meetings, with Wogan coffee sending you back buzzing pleasingly and tea choices from peppermint to builder’s. Then, as Venue’s adjudicator put it, the magic happens, with, “Cosies’ underground premises (changing) identity from a discreet and comfortable wine bar… into a banging dance club into the small hours.” However Jo manages it, we’re all massively grateful. Check the website for details of monthly Music Box live acts and DJ-enhanced evenings (including reggae Sundays). If you haven’t done a night here, you haven’t done Bristol – shuffle up to a random drinking mate and put the world to rights. Amazing outdoor area. Minimal weekend door charge • Say Jo: “The bar conversation is hilarious. We get right-wingers, left-wingers, winos and lawyers!”
DECO LOUNGE
50 Cotham Hill, BS6 6SJ. Tel: 0117 373 2688 • Boasts a relaxed, comfortable vibe and a quirky split-level layout. Specials change monthly, with pea and mint risotto and pan fried chicken breast representative. While you’re here, choose from a drinks selection which includes Togaman bitter, Bath Ales' Darkside and Orchard Pig and Westons Pear ciders. A variety of draughts including Estrella Damm, Becks Vier and Stella 4. Fentimans offerings among the soft drinks with some excellent offers (lunchtime mug of soup and half-panini, Monday burger and brownie deal, Tapas Tuesday promotion) very worth a dekko. Food served daily 9am-10pm • Thinking caps on for the Monday quiz.
DOCKYARD CAFÉ BAR
Harbourside, nr ss Great Britain, BS1 6TY. Tel: 0117 926 0680 • Cafe-bar nestling in the shadow of Brunel's ship seating plenty inside and out and offering good-value meals. Alcoholic drinks include Great Western Brewing Company’s Maiden Voyage and Classic Gold beers, Thatchers Gold, San Miguel and one each of red, white and rosé among others. Belvoir Presses up the soft drink ante but if you’re after something special try the cakes baked aboard ship which go well with a Fairtrade tea or sustainable coffee • Look out for Bristol Harbour Festival fun.
THE ELBOW ROOM
64 Park St, BS1 5JN. Tel: 0117 930 0242, web: www.theelbowroom.co.uk • Trendy, friendly, laidback pool bar featuring classic rock, hip-hop, drum & bass, indie and reggae tunes and some of the city’s most tempting drinks offers. Amstel beer bottles, house wine and cocktails are 2-for-1 5-8pm daily with 2-for-1 cocktails all night Sun and Thur. Double Sailor Jerry and Coke £2.50 Sun, Jagerbombs £3 Mon-Fri and one hour of free pool before 5pm when you spend £6 at the bar daily. Private parties benefit from further drinks deals in the function room, available for hire every night of the week! After his most recent visit our man concluded: “This place remains ahead of the pack when it comes to a lounging vibe. There’s an air of living large brought by the cocktails and spirits savoured by the young professionals chilling earlier and dancing later through nights when DJs spin.” For such an undoubtedly cool place the staff – and punters – are refreshingly down-to-earth and the menu doesn’t take itself too seriously either. Open until 2am Sun-Thur, and until 4am Fri-Sat • Always FREE to get in!
ETON BAR
28 Baldwin St, BS1 1NG. Tel: 0117 927 9813 • Stylish venue serving Fosters, Kronenbourg, John Smiths, Guinness and Strongbow on draught with bottles offering Peroni, Budvar, Bulmers and more. Six wines bring two of each of red, white and rosé but the real variety comes in 20+ cocktail range. Sport shown, awning already here for the smokers, heaters to arrive come winter • Barbecues Fri 5-7pm & Sun 3-6pm, shooters just £1 when buying cocktails.
FLAMINGOS
23-25 West St, Old Market, BS2 0DF. Tel: 0117 955 9269, web: www.flamingosbristol.com • Bristol’s largest gay nightclub, with a range of popular theme nights, occasional live PAs from leading dance acts and the odd stripper night too. Check out the website for regular drinks and cheap entry offers • Recent refit to Arena One really brought the place up to date.
FOLK HOUSE CAFE-BAR
40a Park St, BS1 5JG. Tel: 0117 908 5035 • Delicious organic and Fairtrade fodder served in this perfect, tranquil haven amid the bustling retail metropolis that is Park Street. Draughts include Bath Ales’ Gem and Bounders plus Budvar. Bottles include Wild Hare and Bristol Beer Factory’s Bristol Gold, Freedom organic lager and Westons ciders. Organic wines; one each of red, white and rosé. Most soft drinks organic • A hidden treasure with a sunny courtyard (with covers).
GOLDBRICK HOUSE
69 Park St. Web: www.goldbrickhouse.co.uk • Housed over three floors and two Georgian buildings, Goldbrick House is one of the city’s better drinking and dining destinations. The drink options are as expansive as the surroundings, from the humblest mixer to the finest champers and all points between. The friendly, knowledgeable staff will guide you through tens of wines, delightfully diverse cocktails, champagnes and spirits. Venue’s reviewer enjoyed a fine young rioja, his No 1 daughter-in-law enjoying her best ever Pimms amid GBH’s decadence. The elegant two-floor dining room has an open roof terrace overlooking St George’s Bristol, while there’s still a great sense of occasion to savour in the informal ground-floor café/bar where coffee and fresh juices start your day in style. Bottled beers including Estrella Damm and Blue Moon line up alongside some choice draughts. Covered smoking area. Awarded two AA rosettes; one of the Observer’s 50 top UK bars • Cocktail training and tasting sessions proving very popular indeed.
H BAR
Colston Hall Foyer, Colston St, BS1 5AR. Tel: 0117 352 1151, web: www.thehbar.co.uk • Winning combination of informal and more formal dining, swish surroundings and ace drinks. Breakfasts start from toast upwards, with mains heading on in a European and Mediterranean direction. Ten wines are split between red, white and rosé, with as many cocktails due to arrive on a new list. Draughts include Carling Extra Cold, two kinds of Grolsch, Addlestones, Gem and Magners Gold. Blue Moon among some eclectic bottles also taking in Brothers, Vedett, Crabbies Ginger Beer, Peroni, Corona and Orchard Pig. Save money when their happy-hour-and-a-half offers £1 off a pint 5-6.30pm • The launch of the foyer in which this bar is housed was Venue’s event of 2009.
HALO
141 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8BA. Tel: 0117 944 2504 • The glorious rear garden here is one of the area’s best; it’s in direct sun when it shines and has patio heaters for when it doesn’t. A well-stocked bar includes 14 cocktails plus wines (four white, seven red, two rosé), Zatec, Stowford Press, Magners, Carling and Grolsch. Within the fridge chill bottled beers like Blue Moon (best enjoyed with a slice of orange reckons staff member Natalie), as well as the likes of Betty Stogs and something from the Great Western Brewing Company. Soft drinks include Fentiman’s dandelion and burdock – huzzah! Tangoing, salsa open mic and poetry nights in the function room. Excellent food ranges from full breakfasts through lunches, mezze platters to mains like pork belly and goats’ cheese tart • Lots of nooks and crannies.
HARVEY NICHOLS
Second Floor, Harvey Nichols, Philadelphia St, Quakers Friars, BS1 3BZ. Tel 0117 916 8898, web: www.harveynichols.com • Champagne offerings range from a glass of house for £8.25 to a bottle of Dom Perignon 2000 for £240. Wines in white, red, rosé and sparkling varieties include British bubbly – Nyetimber Pinot Meunier from Chiltington, West Sussex. Cocktails come in five categories: Sparkling, Second Floor Creations, Twists & Favourites, Pre-1900, Twentieth Century Europe and Classics from the Twentieth Century Americas. The details within are equally delicious, historic and geographic, with the France 75 named after a WW1 machine gun, the Whiz Bang bringing a hint of absinthe, the Grog dating back to 1740 (drop in to get its fascinating story), the Venezuelan Treacle incorporating honey, the Zombie (made with a secret blend of five rums) having a house limit of two and the Pappa Double Daiquiri made to a Hemmingway recipe. Bottles include Sierra Nevada, Peroni Gran Reserva, Schneider Weisse, Orval, Sam Smith and two Rekorderlig varieties. The education continues with monthly cocktail masterclasses, with Hollywood, piracy, Martinis, the classic cocktails of bygone guru David Embury and hot toddies lined up from July onwards • Affordable luxury in Cabot Circus’s flagship store.
HAUSBAR
52 Upper Belgrave Rd, Clifton, BS8 2XP. Tel: 0117 946 6081, web: www.hausbar.co.uk • Genial owner Auri, who’s worked in Berlin and Munich, has based Hausbar on the German concept of homely cellar bars, but this stylish one-off is more special than that. Offering 150 cocktails, bartender Justyn Bell has been confirmed as the UK’s second best while the Hausbar-trained Harry Glockler is now assistant bar manager at The Ritz! Air-conditioning has arrived since last year’s guide. Intimate, civilised, unpretentious and friendly, it boasts a distinctly cool and grown-up mood with a spectacular spirit range to match. One draught beer – Flensburger, plus bottled Erdinger and Budvar. Fifth birthday coming up. Open daily 8pm-2am • The runner-up UK Classic Bar according to Class Bar’s November 2010 awards. Will be a major player come September’s Bristol Cocktail Week.
HERMANOS CAFÉ BAR
55 Queen’s Rd, Clifton, BS8 1QQ. Tel: 0117 929 4323, web: www.hermanos.co.uk • An independent operation tucked away among Queens Road’s chains, the presence of some Purity Brewery ales – Mad Goose and Ubu – evinces the care taken with sourcing drinks. Other domestic tipples include Westons Organic and Pear, Addlestones and Gem, with overseas offerings Corona, Brooklyn, Bacchus Kriek and Franziskaner Weiss in bottles and draught Staropramen and Becks Vier. Food changes frequently with weekly soups and salads and a dish of the day alongside burgers, pastas and sharing platters. The vibe is similarly diverse, ranging from loungey midweek to pre-club on weekends. As was the case with last year’s guide, the big-hearted, heftily-leaved rubber plant in the secret heated courtyard wants to be your friend! • Tuesday night is ‘Rumbelievable’ with selected rum cocktails £4 from 5-11pm.
THE HILL
31-35 Cotham Hill, Cotham, BS6 6JY. Tel: 0117 973 3793 • Located seconds from Whiteladies Road with just a hint of backstreet secrecy, you'd be equally comfortable bringing the better half here for a meal, cheering the footie on the screens (large, HD and 3D) or nursing a pint with mates. Draughts include Fosters, Heineken, Kronie, Doom Bar, Strongbow and Blackthorn. A dozen wines split equally twixt red and white, with two-for-one cocktails all day Thur. Feel Good sugar-free soft drinks • Two-for-one pizza Tue, pizza and drink £6.50 12noon-4pm daily.
HOTEL DU VIN & BISTRO
Sugar House, Narrow Lewins Mead, BS1 2NU. Tel: 0117 925 5577 • Winning mix of urban chic and urbane surrounds. One of the best atmospheres in town in the excellent lounge bar. Quality wine list, and a big hit with both Bristol's fooderati and the national press – very highly rated by the Guardian. Around 50 rums, 120 whiskies, 50 cocktails plus bottles of Vedett, Dark Hare, Brugse Zot Dubbel, Schneider Weiss, Blanche de Bruxelles and Westons Organic • May not be cheap, but it’s a small price to pay for paradise.
HUSH HUSH
233 Cheltenham Rd, BS6 5QP. Tel: 0117 942 2700 • Classy bar with a clubby vibe where our journo had a wicked time when on research duty. Inside Out play deep drum & bass and Nowt 2 Do add house and hip-hop as top DJs from near and far work the crowd on Fri and Sat. Cool down with draught Fosters, Kronie, Heineken, Sagres, Strongbow or Symonds, with bottles including Corona, Desperado, Pedigree, Becks, Red Stripe, Polish lagers, Smirnoff Ice, WKD and Bath Ales beer. Cocktails two-for-one all evening Wed and Thur. Fine garden out back with heaters and cover. Available for private hire daily – call for details. Décor includes neat film imagery and vinyl hanging on the wall, with sofas as fat as the bassline adding a dash of decadence • Put your hands up for adroit turntablism!
ILLUSIONS
2 Byron Pl, Clifton, BS8 1JT. Tel: 0117 909 3405 • “I visit one Saturday night to find a group of women resplendent in wigs enjoying cocktails on black leather sofas. This place is perfect for hen and stag parties but a wide clientele also includes couples, young professionals and solo drinkers meeting mates,” wrote our man of a venue where magicians perform nightly, the country’s first venue of its kind. Look out for drinks like Strongbow, Sol, Moretti and Heineken beside three reds, three whites and more. Happy hours run Mon-Thur 7pm-late with other deals also on. Expect the unexpected: our man ended up sat at the magic booth beside Wonder Woman, Poison Ivy and a female Robin • Magicians perform nightly! Magic wand cocktail ‘jugs’ small £40 (£22.50 in happy hour) and large £45 (£27.50 in happy hour).
JACK’S BRASSERIE
The Pavilion, 1 Hanover Quay, Harbourside, BS1 5JE. Tel: 0117 945 3990, web: www.jacksbrasserie.co.uk • If flying to Porto, Madrid or Rome is currently beyond your budget, the next best thing might be spending time on the spacious south-facing terrace here. Stroll along to find Pilsner Urquell on draught and bottles of Peroni, Bath Ales’ Gem, Butcombe Gold, Westons Organic and Kopparberg, around nine reds and eight whites and a decent spirit range. Food is classic British with a European twist. An absolute must-visit during the Harbour Festival, it’s also an extremely popular Christmas meal location. Private parties and wedding receptions staged. “It’s two minutes’ walk from the waterfront but a million miles from its Saturday evening mayhem,” said our man. Second location in Portishead • Be here when the sun’s setting to see the staircase’s metalwork glow sublimely.
JAVA COCKTAIL BAR & CLUB
9 Park St, BS1 5NF. Tel: 0117 930 4561, web: www.javabristol.co.uk • Drop in for draughts Paulaner, Oranjeboom, Asahi, Lindeboom and Aspall’s cider, with bottled beers including Amstel, Singha, Menabrea, Blue Moon, Kasteel Kru, Kasteel Kru Rose, Timmermans, Brahma and Crabbies alcoholic ginger beer. Large premium top-shelf spirits selection, phenomenal classic and contemporary cocktails made. Tapas platters served at certain times. Open Thur 5pm-late, Fri-Sat 5pm-4am • Tsarine is the house champagne, from France’s second-oldest champagne house and is sold exclusively to Java and the Mauretania in the Bristol area.
LA TAVERNA DELL’ARTISTA
33 King St, BS1 4DZ. Tel: 0117 929 7712 • Late-opening cultural delight enjoyed by regulars from all walks of life. Pick up a pizza in the company of celebrities, or eavesdrop post-theatre chat with a pint. Punters have been known to be creative, with a household of honeys spelling out a mate’s name for his birthday with their bodies! The menu proper, with wine list, can be found upstairs or over the road. Home to 39 wines and some of the best bottled beers (Polish, Italian, Belgian and German) in Bristol. Draughts are Moretti, Courage Best, Kronie, or ask for the award-winning Menabrea lager. It comes from Piedmont in northern Italy, the birthplace of the beloved father who headed this much-loved, family-run taverna. Umbrellas for the smokers • Bar open till 2am.
LAS IGUANAS
113 Whiteladies Rd. Tel: 0117 973 0730; South Building, Anchor Sq. Tel: 0117 927 6233, web: www.iguanas.co.uk • Beer and cocktail lovers are invited to go Brazilian at Las Iguanas, Bristol's very own dollop of Latin America where some very special treats await. Brazilian sugarcane spirit cachaca – harvested from their own field in Rio – is the basis for most of their cocktails, brimming with fresh berries, watermelon, honey and ginger, meaning their signature caipirinhas are brilliant. Beer buffs get the uber-rare Xingu, Brazilian black beer, nestling beside Brahma in the bottles which also offer San Miguel, Corona, Cusquenha (from Peru) and Westons. The authentic food is innovative, fresh and reasonably priced. Allocated, covered and heated smoking area at Anchor Square. Kids' menu has a phonetic guide to help nippers order • Two-for-one selected cocktails Sun-Mon all day, Tue-Sat until 7.30pm.
THE LIVING ROOM
Explore Lane, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5TY. Tel 0117 925 3993, web: www.thelivingroom.co.uk • Spacious, stylish and swinging, the living is large at The Living Room. Choose from a range of sophisticated cocktails – the new cocktail menu has a homely theme from The Attic (including old favourites) to The Ball Room (for those special occasions). A wide selection of world-class, classic and contemporary wines and champagnes are available by the glass or bottle and there’s even the option of having your own bar locker with a bottle of spirits kept there for your personal use! On draught you’ll find Vedette Extra Blond, Estrella, Becks Vier and Guinness with bottles including Peroni, Budweiser, Corona, Tiger, Magners and many more. From Mon-Sat 3-7pm enjoy Signature Hour, a selection of favourite cocktails at only £3.95 and bar nibbles from £5.55. Dining ranges from sandwiches and lighter dishes through to hearty, traditional mains, not to mention some fairly foodie offerings and delicious desserts made mostly in-house! Live music Thur, Fri, Sun lunch followed by DJs until 2am when bar closes • Plenty of outside seating for watching the Harbourside; the perfect place to start or finish your night out.
LOUNGE
227 North St, Bedminster, BS3 1JJ. Tel: 0117 963 7340 • An effortlessly laidback, easy-going vibe, with leather sofas for all-day lounging, wooden tables, ciabattas, steaks, burgers, chalked-up blackboards of monthly specials and an awesome range of cocktails, plus spirits, liqueurs and wines. On draught you’ll find Togaman ale, Becks Vier, Estrella Damm, Stella 4 plus Stowford Press and Dark Side, with Bath Ales, Bristol Beer Factory, Westons and Orchard Pig in bottles. Outside seating front and rear. Food – including Venueland’s top brownies – served all day • Friendly, funky staff behind the bar and on the mic for Monday’s killer quiz.
THE LOUNGE
53 Old Market St, Old Market, BS2 0ER. Ffi: 0117 922 1224 • Small bar in the centre of Bristol’s gay village, open from 12noon until 11pm daily (until 1am on Fri-Sat), with loads of drinks offers and reduced-price admission to Flamingos • Bingo night on Sunday is a riot.
LUNA
Richmond Terrace, Clifton, BS8 1AA. Tel: 0117 973 0986 • Open Friday and Saturday 10pm-2am for 80s-90s choons in a relaxed atmosphere. Draughts offer Kronie, San Miguel and Scrumpy Jack with Old Speckled Hen in bottles. Five minutes’ stroll from Whiteladies, Park Street and Clifton Village • Consistently doing the business with the 25-45-year-old Clifton crowd with music to match.
MAURETANIA BAR & LOUNGE
9 Park St, BS1 5NF. Tel: 0117 930 4561, web: www.mauretaniabristol.co.uk • Draughts are Paulaner, Oranjeboom, Asahi, Lindeboom and Aspall’s cider, with bottled beers including Amstel, Singha, Menbrea, Blue Moon, Kasteel Kru, Kasteel Kru Rose, Timmermans, Brahma and Crabbies alcoholic ginger beer. Large premium top-shelf spirit selection, phenomenal classic and contemporary cocktails made. House champagne Tsareine comes from France’s second oldest champagne house and is sold exclusively to the Mauretania and Java in the Bristol area. Open as a V-VIP area to exclusive table packages on a Saturday night • Available for private hire for a range of corporate day and night events, cocktail clinics, networking events, meetings, conferences and bespoke events.
MBARGO
38-40 Triangle West, Clifton, BS8 1ER. Tel: 0117 925 3256 • There’s always a buzz at this cool, stylish bar. Draughts include Stella, Budweiser, Becks and Blackthorn • Handily placed for a classy night on Clifton Triangle.
NEW MISSION BURRITO
62 Park St, BS1 5JN. Tel: 0117 927 3339 • Very recently opened restaurant serving up hand-selected and hand-prepared burritos in premises offering an excellent view of Park Street. Wash down what you’re eating with Corona, Sol, Modelo Especial, Negra Modelo or frozen margaritas or go for a bottled soda, This Water or Tropicana • Authentic burritos, passed on from Mexico via San Francisco to the UK.
MOREISH
6 Chandos Rd, Redland, BS6 6PE. Tel: 0117 970 6078, web: www.moreishrestaurant.co.uk • Modern European café-bar-restaurant open for brunch, lunch and dinner, with an emphasis on quality, homemade food. Options across draught and bottles include Peroni, Gem, Wild Hare, Stowford Press, Westons Pear (organic), Crabbies alcoholic, Kasteel Cru and Stella 4 plus a 10-strong cocktail list, wines, ports and liqueurs. Cute alfresco terrace with heating and cover • Bright and sunny, with work from local artists plus excellent photography on the walls.
MR WOLF’S
33 St Stephens St, BS1 1JX. Tel: 0117 927 3221, web: www.mrwolfs.com • A winning combination of music venue, cafe and bar greater than the sum of its myriad parts, its myriad parts including the stocking of absinthe. Less louche libations range from Asahi, Tiger and San Miguel to a wide range of European and Eastern bottles. The ace people here remain at the cutting edge when working with other operations on local festivals. Live music and DJ sets pretty much nightly, with noodles prepared to order in the open kitchen. Open until 4-5am at weekends. Awning for smokers with alfresco benches • It’s all about the music!
MUD DOCK
40 The Grove, BS1 4RB. Tel: 0117 934 9734, web: www.mud-dock.co.uk • Chilled converted warehouse on the dockside. This uber-cool bar-restaurant is located above a bike shop and has gorgeous (and quirky) decor, food and booze. Enjoy a great wine list or something from the extensive draught and bottle ranges wherein you’ll find Tuborg, San Miguel, Thatchers Gold, Corona, Sagres, Bulmers and Bath Ales. Med-inspired dining. Open from 10am Sun-Fri, from 9am Sat • Sun terrace with fantastic view for warm afternoons.
NIKO’S LOUNGE AND SHISHA BAR
72 Park St (entrance also via Park St Ave), BS1 5JX. Tel 0117 929 1166/07792 917397 • This innovative shisha bar opened in 2009 and is the brainchild of Parviz Jafari. Being Persian, learning to smoke shisha was part of his upbringing. This spot mixes Iranian and British cultures via cream tones, beautiful carpets, traditional Iranian music and a stunning tile painting to bring Esfahan to Clifton. DOW has been told of plans for a balcony being added at some time here with future food a possibility. Until then, it’s mainly about the shishas; get the mellowest buzz from juice-soaked tobacco drawn through water for full, smooth flavours. Varieties include apple, grape, strawberry and mint (enjoyed individually or in combination). If you’re after just drinking, Kronie, Foster’s and Strongbow draughts start at under £3, Jagerbombs are £2.50 and bottled lager is £2 but to not give a hubbly bubbly (£8 Mon-Sat, £7 Sun) a go is a chance wasted. Open Mon-Thur 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat 6pm-3.30am, Sun 6pm-12midnight. Covered and heated smoking facilities (natch!) • Very much a family operation, named after a family member - who’s only a toddler!
No 1 HARBOURSIDE
1 Canons Rd, BS1 5UH. Tel: 0117 929 1100, web: www.no1harbourside.co.uk • Quintessentially, quirkily British drinks are offered at this waterside wonder which opened to immediate success. Great emphasis on local and conscientious sourcing sees sups like Freedom Organic lager (vegan), Butcombe Blonde, Bristol Beer Factory’s Sunrise and No 7 ales, Bath Ales’ Bounders cider, Ashton Press and Lilley’s Apples & Pears on draught. Bottles keep the charm coming, with three types of English bubbly, Welsh vodka, Bradleys apple juice, mead and even a nettle beer, Stinger, from High Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage (organic, with a clean “lagery” taste, apparently). Slipping down throats just as smoothly are the oysters chilling on ice here. Six reds and seven whites go wonderfully with a bite to eat from a dependable range of British square meals • Music pretty much daily covers jazz, folk, reggae, world beats and more, with the sublime sounds of Claudia Aurora and expert musicians a regular attraction.
NEW No 51 STOKES CROFT
51 Stokes Croft, BS1 3QP. Tel 0117 914 8048, web: www.51stokescroft.com • Friendly and funky bar-cum-music venue where stood the Junction before Stokes Croft became a hot spot. Entertainment comes via live music, DJs, after-work parties, quizzes and Stitch and Bitch gatherings. Food is starters like salad, soup or ham, olives and bread followed by pizzas and finished off with some scrummy desserts. Drinks-wise, expect the likes of Gem, Young’s and Bombardier beside Kirin, Red Stripe, Stowford Press and Addlestones on draught, with bottles including Kopparberg, Tiger, Peroni, Leffe and more. Wines range from no-end to something higher. Rear garden covered in part • Pizzas made in wood-burning oven.
NEW OMG
Frog Lane, Frogmore St, Bristol BS1 5UX. Web: www.omgbristol.com • Bristol’s newest gay nightclub, which took over the building from Vibes, is just the place if your idea of a good night out is shaking your booty to Lady Gaga; with a popular student night (Wed) and cheesy dance night Poptastic (Thur) • At the time of writing the owners were about to launch a new bar opposite.
THE PARK
37 Triangle West, BS8 1ER. Tel: 0117 940 6101, web: www.theparkbristol.com • Laidback and classy, The Park is a great place for that after-work relaxer or an evening living large with friends as DJs supply the grooves. Hip, cool and cosy but admirably unpretentious, you can throw shapes here without fear of social alienation. On our man’s last visit he found party-frocked Lizzie, Paula, Lola and Siany amongst Motown mayhem and northern soul shimmying as the action stayed on the dancefloor until the small hours. Draughts include Red Stripe, Gem and Thatchers Gold, with Negro Modelo and Westons Organic among choice bottled offerings. You want a cocktail? They’ll make it, with molecular mixology if they’re feeling flash; these award-winning bartenders could mix cocktails in their sleep. The upstairs room is ace for private parties and features wicked Last Supper artwork, although DOW has been told of redecoration plans. A few new nights might be coming up too. Open Mon-Wed 6pm-late, Thur-Sat 6pm-4am • Many punters work in other bars so you know it’s good.
NEW PARK STREET CAFÉ
11 Park St, BS1 5NF. Tel: 0117 929 9351, web: www.parkstreetcafe.co.uk • Breakfasts come in continental and full English versions, lunch brings sandwiches and baguettes, salads, homemade soups and daily specials, while homemade cakes and pastries are available all day. There’s a full range of loose leaf teas and fruit infusions, soft drinks include Pago juices, Victorian lemonade and ginger beer, with bottles of Staropramen, wine and Tsarine champagne for those after something stronger. Takeaway service available. Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm • All coffees made with Gran Riserva coffee beans.
PICTURE HOUSE EAST
85 Whiteladies Rd, Bristol, BS8 2NT. Tel: 0117 973 9302, web: www.thepicturehouse.eu • What was briefly Penfolds (and before that Quartier Vert) became Picture House East shortly before last year’s guide went to press. It very much hit the ground running with its attractive front terrace the place to be during warm weather. This is beer paradise, with 40 different varieties (some top-end) from across the world bringing some of Bristol’s most diverse quaffing. A choice spirit selection and excellent wine list add to the options, with superb coffee and even cream teas ensuring hot drink provision is just as fine. Lunch and dinner are predominantly Anglo-Italian supported by Spanish tapas dishes available all day • Handbaked breads and scrumptious treats from artisan baker Laura Hart to take away.
PITCHER AND PIANO
Waterfront, BS1 5UH. Tel: 0117 929 9652, web: www.pitcherandpiano.com • The biggest outlet in the chain, this converted warehouse is a versatile venue for any number of occasions, whether it’s summertime drinks out on the waterfront seating area, hiring the upstairs bar for a private party or event, a night out in the heart of the city or simply relaxing on comfortable sofas while grabbing a bite to eat. Covers in smoking area • Fabulous harbourside location. Open until late at weekends.
PORTO LOUNGE
765 Fishponds Rd, BS16 3BS. Tel: 0117 902 4567 • Togaman, the Lounges’ exclusive ale, on draught beside others including Stowford Press, Bath Ales’ Dark Side, Estrella Damm, Becks Vier and Stella 4, with Gem, Leffe and Orchard Pig cider among the bottles. Food takes in ciabattas, paninis, salads, burgers and monthly specials. Open daily 9am-11pm. Quiz every Sunday • Once a travel agents, named in reference to one of Bristol’s twin cities.
THE PROM
26 The Promenade, Gloucester Rd, BS7 8AL. Tel: 0117 942 7319, web: www.theprom.co.uk • Great reputation for live music. Six nights per week are given over to R&B, blues, jazz and soul, with Sunday seeing an open mic night. Popular Tue night quiz. Food is all-day brekkies, salads, mains and more, with drinks such as Gem and Courage Best among the three real ales always on, Kronie, Amstel, Heineken, Fosters and Addlestones. Bottles include Sagres, Tiger, Carib lager and fruit ciders • Neat heated covered terrace.
QUEENSHILLING
9 Frogmore St, BS1 5NA. Web: www.queenshilling.com • The Queenshilling has changed hands twice since this guide was last issued. Now owned by Paul Stoodley and open seven nights a week with a line-up that includes an alternative music night, a popular student night and Rump’d, a Sunday night rave with longstanding scene stalwarts Ivanhoe and Nathan Thompson • The city’s longest-established gay nightclub.
THE QUADRANT
Regent St, Clifton Village. Tel: 0117 974 1025, web: www.quadrantbar.co.uk • The Quadrant is on a “mission to make wine accessible to all,” wrote our chap, and the pleasing absence of snobbery at this restored Victorian wine cellar furthers their cause no end. The ground floor is a light, airy bar offering wines, spirits, continental lagers, real ale and at least one local cider, with bare brick walls and chalkboards a-plenty. Draughts are Amstel, Heineken, Ashton Press, Butcombe Bitter plus guest, with bottles including Peroni, Budvar, Corona, Leffe, Duvel and Westons Organic. Downstairs you’ll find the wine cellar, with some of the world's best wines on offer at heavily reduced prices to take away (the place also operates as an off-licence). Extensive fine wine selection, with over 30 available by the glass. Eight-strong cocktail list. Delicious bar food includes whole camembert, sandwiches and homemade sausage rolls and pizzas. Perfect for private parties with superb buffets • Regular wine tasting events offer blind tasting quizzes, national and region varieties and food accompaniment.
RACKS WINE BAR
St Pauls Rd, Clifton, BS8 1LX. Tel: 0117 974 1626 • Celebrating its 30th anniversary come 2012 and there are plenty of drops at hand with which to make a toast. Three real ales likely to include the likes of Spa, Doom Bar and Butcombe. Draught lagers are Becks Vier, Stella Artois and Stella Black with Addlestones, Ashton Press and Guinness also on tap. Around 20 wines and solid spirit, champagne and shot offerings. An extensive bottle range includes Munich’s Franziskaner, San Francisco’s Anchor Steam, Belgium’s Timmermans Kriek, Tasmania’s James Goag, Austria’s Hopfenkonig, Cuba’s Palma Cristal, Belgium’s Duvel, Holland’s La Trappe Dubbel and Italy’s Birra Moretti. A new menu brings old favourites and exciting new dishes, with a £5 lunch menu for wallet-friendly dining. Hog roasts available for pre-booked parties. Always popular at Christmas; they’re already taking 2011 bookings and some dates are already full • Expect crowds whenever sport’s shown.
REVOLUTION
Old Fish Market, St Nicholas St, BS1 1UA. Tel: 0117 930 4335 • Part of the national vodka bar chain, this stylish bar-restaurant (set in a former fish market, hence the address) offers quality bar food and weekend DJs alongside admirable drinking options. Around 30 vodkas (some made in-house at the company’s Manchester factory) make this place’s range one of Venueland’s widest, with premium spirits ensuring sublime cocktails. Draughts are Becks Vier, Stella and Stowford Press, with bottles bringing San Miguel, Gem, Tiger, Peroni and more and a 20-strong cocktail list. Licensed until 2am (12.30am Sunday), the mezzanine bar is available for private hire. Smoke in the garden – covers and heaters in place • DJs Wed, Fri and Sat, indulgent vodka flavours (toffee-chocolate, chilli) and sparkling staff/punter banter.
RISING SUN
86-90 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8BN. Tel: 0117 989 2471 • Stude central Gloucester Road legend loved for its lively mood and wide drink selection. DOW has been told of a major refurbishment due for July/August which may bring a new name and even a somewhat greater emphasis on premium and cask ales. Until then details are similar to previous years with an abundance of Brothers ciders – even the toffee apple is on draught! Other flavours include tutti frutti, lemon, pear and strawberry and other ciders include St Helier, Magners and Bulmers. Tenants Pilsner is on draught, Desperado is in bottles and you’ll find wines like Blossom Hill and Sunset Bay as well as sambuka and tequila shots. Garden with heaters and covers; sports shown • Excellent video jukebox and pool tables.
riverstation
The Grove, BS1 4RB. Tel: 0117 914 4434, web: www.riverstation.co.uk • At the forefront of the Bristol restaurant scene since opening in 1997, setting standards in cooking and service that are high and never compromised. Upstairs you’ll find a restaurant serving 30 reds and as many whites, the downstairs bar having 10 of each. The drinks menu set to change here as we go to press, with offerings currently including Bath Ales’ Gem and Wild Hare, Stowford Press, Sol and Asahi. Classic cocktails and excellent, Bristol-based Extract coffee bring further variety. Boasts an extremely popular extended dockside terrace and restaurant balcony • The Good Food Guide said: “This modernist eatery remains one of the city’s most consistent places.”
ROO BAR
Clifton Down Station, Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2PN. Tel: 0117 923 7204 • Australian-themed sports bar. Numerous screens, two pool tables, food served daily. Open from 12noon daily. Heated and covered smoking area • Quiz may return come autumn.
SASPARILLA
65 Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, BS8 2LY. Tel: 0117 973 0574 • “The emphasis here is on affordable, quality spirits,” wrote Venue’s man when visiting Sasparilla (formerly Henry Africa’s). “A members’ lounge continues the smart surroundings upstairs, with both levels boasting massively high ceilings and some of Venueland’s biggest mirrors.” Draught lagers are Becks Vier and Budvar, with Asahi and Peroni among the bottles, Stowford Press is on tap with Bath Ales’ Gem and Wild Hare amid the bottled beers. Five reds, five whites and one of the city’s biggest cocktail lists. Grub is “snacky” Tex/Mex such as nachos, wings, ribs and enchiladas • Over 60 cocktails on offer.
SEVERNSHED
The Grove, BS1 4RB. Tel: 0117 925 1212, web: www.shedrestaurants.co.uk • Former bronze Top Banana-bagger for “consistently making the best cocktails in town” providing dockside chic for Bristol's mediarati and style gurus plus excellent dining and drinking. Cutting-edge art exhibitions plus live music on Sunday add to the concept, the moveable bar making it a venue for all seasons. The bar has an identity of its own, separate from the restaurant, with food served from midday. At night the bar becomes a chic lounge serving around 70 cocktails on a new list. Licensed until 1am. Retractable-covered terrace for alfresco socialising and relaxed smoking. Drinks include Becks, Corona, Peroni, Old Speckled Hen and Westons Organic • Happy hour daily 4-11pm.
SHORE
Narrow Quay, Harbourside, BS1 4QF Tel: 0117 923 0333 • Stylish bar attached to the Bristol Hotel. Set on two chic, open-plan levels, large front windows let you keep track of the comings and goings across Pero’s Bridge as you enjoy morning coffee, lunch or unwind after work with wine and food. Guinness, Gem, Blackthorn, Bounders, Stella Artois, Stella 4 and Becks among the draughts, with Sol, Peroni and three Bath Ales beers some of the bottles. The wines span the globe while the food ranges from olives through wraps and jackets to mains like fish & chips, chicken breast and potato gnocchi, with sharing platters for sociable nibbling. Open to non-residents. Heated and covered smoking area • Everything from coffee to a three-course meal covered with class.
SLUG AND LETTUCE
26-28 St Nicholas St, BS1 1UB. Tel: 0117 952 9900 • Open-plan building, comfortable leather sofa zones and muted décor. A range of bottles and draughts takes in Stella, Peroni, Magners, John Smith’s, Becks and Strongbow among others. Reliable food options include salads (including chicken and chorizo), burgers, pasta, Thai chicken curry and fish pie on a menu possibly about to change as we go to press. Sizeable alfresco area with heaters and canopies • Cocktails two-for-one Thur-Sat 4pm-close.
NEW THE SOCIAL
130 Cheltenham Rd, BS6 5RW. Tel: 0117 924 4500. web: www.thesocialbristol.co.uk • The clue is in the name at this friendly and stylish Cheltenham Road chillfest evoking the cool, easy mood of One30 (which stood here a few years back). Exposed brickwork, reclaimed furniture, engaging artwork and large front windows help make a leisurely atmosphere that’s enhanced by draughts like Heineken, Amstel, Bath Ales’ Gem, Symonds cider and Scrumpy Jack. Pheasant Plucker cider and Arbor Ales’ Hunny beer are due to make appearances. Bottles include Doom Bar, Old Peculier, Leffe, San Miguel, Corona, Rekorderlig, Fruli, Westons Organic, Katy and Hollows ginger beer. Expect a dozen wines and the possibility of a weekly cocktail night. Those not drinking (alcohol) get Orchard Bloom apple juice, a very local affair. Mon-Fri open sarnie, chips and drink lunch offer £5, Mon-Thur dinner and house drink dinner offer £10 • “A comfortable place for a stylish bit of nouveau pub nosh,” wrote our chap.
SPIKE ISLAND CANTEEN AND BAR
133 Cumberland Rd, BS1 6UX. Tel: 0117 934 9077, web: www.spikeisland.org.uk • Drinks include Tiger, Moretti and Bath Ales beer with soft options including Frobishers. Food is jackets, salads, soup, sandwiches, burgers and specials. Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm. Hosts events such as UWE’s degree show • Premises formerly housed Brooke Bond’s operations; café designed by Caruso St John in collaboration with artists.
SPYGLASS
Welsh Back, BS1 4SB. Tel: 0117 927 7050, web: www.spyglassbristol.co.uk • Summer wouldn’t be summer without Spyglass, Bristol’s barbecue boat, perfect for those long, lazy evenings (although it’s actually open daily 11am-11pm). Mediterranean-themed bar serves Gem and Bounders on draught, with Corona, Sagres and Estrella Damm among the bottles. Four-pint pitchers of lager and cider, one-litre carafes of Pimms and sangria, rotating cocktails and a few wines. Smoothie options change every couple of days; freshly-squeezed juices also served. Covers for the smokers. Food is unpretentious, tasty and very reasonably priced with admirable vegetarian provision • Get there early to get a table in summer.
THE SQUARE
15 Berkeley Sq, Clifton, BS8 1HB. Tel: 0117 921 0455, web: www.thesquareclub.com • The Square club is the first and only lasting private members’ club in Bristol. Set in the beautiful boutique Berkeley Square Hotel, it offers exclusive decadence. Extensive drinking options include a superb wine list plus champagnes, beers, lagers, cocktails, digestifs and aperitifs while fine dining bar food takes in dishes like rack of lamb, sea bass and guinea fowl. Polished wooden floors, deep sofas, opulent velvet armchairs, mirrors, artworks, state-of-the-art video wall, elegant terrace and beautiful garden create a classy mood. Regular events such as comedy, jazz or artwork launches • Non-members welcome to dine – please phone to book.
START THE BUS
7-9 Baldwin St, BS1 1RU. Tel: 0117 930 4370 • Breezing a Top Banana in its first year, this part pub-with-great-food, part adult-youth-club hangout offers everything from eclectic live music to DJs, quizzes and bingo. Extensive draught options across beer, lager and cider include Red Stripe, Peroni, Gaymers, Westons Organic, Westons Scrumpy, Hoegaarden, Erdinger and Leffe. Among the diverse bottles you’ll find Anchor Steam from San Francisco, Brooklyn, Bacchus Frambozen, Liefmans and Peroni Gran Reserva while there’s a dozen wines too. Those not on the hard stuff get Fever Tree ginger beer plus Feelgood options. New menu has added salads, an avocado burger and more to the accessible comfort food long going down a treat. Covers and heaters for those whose night out mixes cigarettes and alcohol • Enjoyed by Bristol’s scene-setting musos, indie kids and pretty much anyone who’s anyone creatively.
THEKLA
East Mud Dock, The Grove, BS1 4RB. Tel: 0117 929 3301, web: www.theklabristol.co.uk • Brilliant live venue which also houses an excellent, chilled bar serving draughts such as Tuborg, Thatchers Gold and Guinness. In the bottles you’ll find many of the Brothers range as well as Smirnoff Ice and Westons Organic and Strongbow plus Monster energy drink. Bath Ales represented by Wild Hare and Gem. Covered deck area heated on evenings, beneath which you can – der, der, derrrr, der, der, der, derrr – smoke on the water! • It’s a boat! It’s a Bristol music institution!
NEW TIKI
44 Whiteladies Rd. Tel: 0117 973 1529, web: www.tikibristol.com • Formerly Picture House, now a Polynesian/Maori/Hawaiian-themed grog house with palm-fringed bar – you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in Vanuatu. The music helps enhance the mood, with modern New Zealand dub mixing with reggae and calypso at a level encouraging chatter, not holler. It’s the drinks, however, which complete the exotic ambience, with 39 tiki cocktails (strong, fruity concoctions served in elaborately garnished tiki mugs) sending you to somewhere very special. Food follows the Pacific Island theme with kalibi beef ribs, kahlua pork and Hawaiian specialities alongside the must-try homemade crab and shrimp spring rolls. If your drinking tastes aren’t quite so eclectic, thirsts can also be quenched with options like Becks, Staropramen, Leffe Blonde, Thatchers Gold. Young’s beer includes Ramrod in bottles and there’s also 16 wines by the glass. Lava lounge can be hired for private parties • A little bit of the South Pacific on Whiteladies Road.
TINTO LOUNGE
344 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8TP. Tel: 0117 942 0526 • The café/bar group by which all others are judged, Tinto bagged a topmost Venue Banana in 2005. Integral to Gloucester Road’s dining and drinking diversity, hugely popular with groups of friends, families and couples, it's relaxed, stylish, comfortable and welcoming. Reclaimed church chairs sit under battered wooden tables, with quirky photographs just made for poring over. There’s Estrella Damm, Becks Vier, Stella 4, Togaman, Dark Side stout and Stowford Press on draught, plus Orchard Pig, Westons, Leffe, Peroni and Corona and Bath Ales and Bristol Beer Factory in bottles. Four reds, as many whites, good food and daily specials served all day, every day • Who is the pugilist receiving a knockout blow, possibly at The Garden?
WATERSHED CAFÉ BAR
1 Canons Rd. Tel: 0117 927 5101, web: www.watershed.co.uk • One of Bristol’s most relaxing and welcoming venues, with a light and airy loft space, harbourside view and lively buzz. Locally sourced, free-range, organic and nutritional foods are at the heart of Watershed’s philosophy and the bar stocks local favourites such as Westons Organic Cider, Natural Blond Lager, Arbor Ales and Bath Ales, with three beers always on. Bath Ales’ Bounders cider, Thatchers, Becks Vier and Budvar among draughts, plus Erdinger and San Miguel bringing further choice. Reds, whites, rosés and champagnes total 16. With three cinemas showing the very best in independent film, free wi-fi to check out the digital exhibition programme and a friendly and helpful team, you don't need to be anywhere else. Open from 9.30am during the week (10am at weekends and 11am Mon) and licensed until 12midnight Fri-Sat. Hosted Venue’s 25th birthday bash – we’re still recovering • Balcony at top of entrance stairs with outside seating.
WHITE LION BAR AND TERRACE
Avon Gorge Hotel, Sion Hill, Clifton, BS8 4LD. Tel: 0117 973 8955, web: www.theavongorge.com • Probably the best view in Bristol. Sup something from a draught range including Kronenbourg, Heineken, Foster’s, Butcombe, John Smith’s Smooth, Ashton Press, Strongbow and Murphy’s or bottles bringing Bulmers Pear and Crisp, Moretti, Sol, Heineken and Crabbies among others as you unwind on the vast terrace (complete with umbrellas and heat lamps) and gaze out over Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Avon Gorge. Four red, four white and two rosés. Food served 12noon-10pm daily plus bank holiday barbecues and hog roasts. Look out for the Pieminister hut on weekends and half-terms when the sun shines. Three drop-down, 50-inch HD screens for sports fans. Bar/terrace available for private hire • That view is an attraction year-round, look out for beer and burger offers (or the like) come winter.
THE WOODS
1 Park Street Ave, BS1 5LQ. Tel: 0117 925 0890 • The Woods serves 102 whiskies but you don’t have to be a spirit connoisseur to love this place with its gentlemen’s club ambience and ace garden (with heating and cover). Very female-friendly, not remotely laddish and if you prefer beer to bourbon you’re in luck. Eclectic offerings changing three-six monthly include Blue Moon, Brooklyn East Pale Ale, Delirium Tremens and Nocturnum. Three reds, three whites, four-five champagnes plus around 20 cocktails, 2-4-1 all day Sun and nightly 5-8pm. Plus monthly whisky club! Four draughts include Grolsch, Grolsch Blonde, Aspalls and Stowford Press and are served in half-pint glasses and two-, three- and four-pint pitchers • Open Mon-Thur 5pm-2am, Fri 5pm-4am, Sat 1pm-6am, Sun 1pm-2am. Come for the whisky, stay for the mood.
ZERODEGREES
53 Colston St, BS1 5BA. Tel: 0117 925 2706, web: www.zerodegrees.co.uk • DOW attended the opening night of this European-influenced restaurant fused with a microbrewery and stylish bar, since when it hasn’t put a foot wrong. That was back in the mid-noughties. In the meantime, local sourcing and carbon footprints have become central to consumers’ choices, so it’s timely to consider you can’t get fresher than beer brewed on site. Simplicity and purity are of the essence, with no additives, preservatives or colours going into vegan-friendly beer which isn’t pasteurized. Award-winning beers like pilsner, wheat beer, pale ale, black lager and fruit ales plus a monthly-changing special mean finding your fave is as much fun as enjoying it once you’ve found it. Cider is from Gaymers and there’s also non/alcoholic cocktails, champers and 20 wines. Our man loved his pizza and guest Auria assured DOW these were the best mussels (which come in five flavours) she’d had. Pasta and salad options on the reliable menu have recently been bolstered. Stunning architecture includes 3m-high tanks and glass flooring with pipes visible below – a veritable Pompidou Centre in praise of the pint. Distinct restaurant and four terraces plus main area that’s a people-watching paradise • Also in Reading, Cardiff and original Blackheath SE3 site (but Bristol’s the favourite, according to an insider).
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