Eating and drinking out in Bristol
Bristol has one of the best independent food and drink scenes in the UK. The city has dozens of craft breweries, a strong cider tradition and a lot of excellent small restaurants. Most of the best places are clustered in a handful of areas, so this guide is organised by neighbourhood. Pick an area and wander.
Wapping Wharf and the Harbourside
A cluster of small, independent restaurants, many of them in converted shipping containers, between M Shed and the SS Great Britain. It is good for a relaxed lunch or an early evening by the water. On the other side of the harbour, the bars around Narrow Quay and the Watershed are popular straight after work.
The Old City, King Street and Welsh Back
The historic heart of the city. King Street has some of Bristol's oldest pubs, including timber-framed buildings from the 17th century, and is busy on summer evenings. St Nicholas Market's Glass Arcade has a row of street food stalls, ideal for a quick lunch if you work in the centre. Corn Street and Small Street have bars and restaurants in grand old bank buildings.
Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road
Stokes Croft is known for its street art, late-night bars and music venues. It runs into Cheltenham Road and then Gloucester Road, a long stretch of independent cafés, bakeries, pubs and restaurants. This is a good choice for a relaxed evening with a mix of food and drink.
Clifton Village and Whiteladies Road
A little more upmarket. Clifton Village has cafés, wine bars and restaurants close to the Suspension Bridge, good for a weekend lunch after a walk. Whiteladies Road has a wide range of restaurants and bars, popular with students and young professionals.
North Street and Bedminster
South of the river, North Street in Southville and Bedminster has a strong local scene. Expect independent cafés, craft beer bars, good pubs and restaurants that locals actually use. It is a 15-minute walk from the centre.
Food and drink for work occasions
- A quick lunch: St Nicholas Market, Wapping Wharf or the cafés around Temple Quay.
- A client lunch: the restaurants around Corn Street, the Harbourside and Clifton. Book ahead.
- A team night out: King Street and the Harbourside for pubs and bars; Stokes Croft for something livelier. Many bars and breweries have private areas for groups.
- Leaving drinks near Temple Meads: there are several pubs and bars within a few minutes' walk of the station, so people can get their trains home.
Bristol's breweries and cider
Bristol has many independent breweries, several with their own taprooms, especially around Old Market, the Harbourside and south Bristol. The West Country is also cider country, and you will find local cider in most traditional pubs.
Working in hospitality
Bars, restaurants and cafés are always recruiting in Bristol, from kitchen and bar staff to managers