COCKTAIL BARS BRISTOL

Aluna Bristol is a cocktail bar and restaurant at Broad Quay in the city centre, offering hand-crafted theatrical cocktails alongside pan-Asian cuisine. The venue specializes in molecular mixology and impressive cocktail flairing featuring fire effects, with Instagram-worthy decor including angel wings on crushed velvet banquettes. The kitchen serves diverse pan-Asian menus ranging from nibbles to mains, while the bar celebrates alchemy in crafting unique drinks unlikely to be found elsewhere in Bristol. The establishment operates daily from noon to midnight, offering bottomless brunch on weekends, private hire for corporate events, and custom packages for celebrations.

Dirty Martini Bristol on Corn Street delivers glam party vibes with expertly crafted cocktails ranging from classic concoctions to innovative mixes, just a short walk from Bristol Temple Mead station. The venue is known for its famous neon angel wings and impressive range of martinis, including Aperol Spritz, Pornstar Martini, Espresso Martini, and signature options like Stonefruit Spritz and Blueberry Lavender Martini. The bar offers cocktails during Happy Hour at £7, typically priced £10-11 otherwise, with 90 minutes of bottomless drinks and birdcage bites available for celebrations and brunch occasions. The establishment provides a glamorous destination for expertly-crafted cocktails and special experiences in Bristol's city center.

Harvey Nichols' Second Floor Bar is a glamorous cocktail venue housed within the Cabot Circus shopping destination on Philadelphia Street. The chic space features a striking silver ceiling and expansive bar, offering award-winning mixologists who craft seasonal cocktail menus alongside an impressive selection of wines and Champagnes available by the glass. The restaurant has earned two AA Rosettes and a Notable Wine List Award, with the bar hosting regular cocktail masterclasses for guests seeking to deepen their craft knowledge. Open from morning through late evening, this sophisticated venue combines upscale design with approachable cocktail culture and fine dining.

Lost & Found is a Victorian-themed cocktail bar and restaurant on Queen's Road, drawing inspiration from a fictional professor of astronomy and astrology. The venue's ornate furnishings and antique décor transport guests through time, while the cocktail menu creatively incorporates zodiac themes, such as the signature Elizabeth E. Lightfoot cocktail made with Gosling's Black Rum, Yellow Chartreuse, and house infusions. The kitchen offers Josper-grilled steaks and slow-cooked beef ragu pappardelle, with the venue open for lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, brunch, and bottomless bubbles. A hidden Secret Bar within the venue provides an intimate private space, making it ideal for celebrations or confidential gatherings.

The Cocktail Club Bristol Corn is a dynamic three-level venue on Corn Street featuring galactic-inspired interiors and three separate bars plus a basement club. The space showcases world-class bartenders crafting exceptional cocktails, with a 2 for £14 offer available during early-evening hours (7pm on Saturdays). The venue's heated secret garden terrace extends the experience outdoors, while an intimate hideout bar downstairs and various room configurations make it ideal for private celebrations and group events. Known for hosting lively gatherings, including engagement celebrations and afterwork drinks, the venue offers cocktail masterclasses and can accommodate up to 300 guests across multiple spaces and outdoor terraces.

The Dirty Bird is a lively cocktail lounge located on King's Road in Clifton Village, instantly recognizable for its eye-catching neon pink façade and modern décor. The venue offers an extensive menu blending classic and innovative cocktails alongside a curated selection of gin, local wines, and beers, catering to diverse palates. Operating from 4 PM until midnight on weekdays and 1 AM on weekends, the bar maintains a welcoming atmosphere with great service and accommodating staff. The fluorescent Dirty Bird sign serves as a popular Instagram backdrop, drawing both cocktail enthusiasts and design-conscious visitors seeking a venue that prioritizes both stylish aesthetics and quality libations.

Tonight Josephine Bristol is a vibrant cocktail bar located at 28 Baldwin Street in Bristol's city centre, known for its distinctive feathered pink ceilings and sassy, playful interior design. The venue specializes in expertly crafted cocktails alongside its popular bottomless brunch offering, creating an energetic atmosphere fueled by live DJ sets featuring commercial, RnB, pop, and cheesy tunes that keep guests dancing through the night. With weekly happy hours featuring 2-4-1 cocktails and signature Tequila Rose shots, plus private event hosting for birthdays and celebrations, Tonight Josephine has become a destination for those seeking unrivaled late-night vibes in Bristol.

The Clockwork Rose is Bristol's first and only steampunk cocktail bar, located at 16 St Stephen's Street in the city centre. The venue embraces a distinctive steampunk aesthetic with inventive cocktails featuring unusual ingredients and stunning presentations, including creations like the PanGalactic Garble Blaster and Earl Grey Martini. Knowledgeable staff are eager to recommend new concoctions or prepare classic cocktails in an ambiance designed to encourage relaxation and conversation. The bar is known to become busy on weekends, particularly Friday and Saturday evenings, when the unique steampunk-themed environment provides a memorable backdrop for drinks. Operating Wednesday through Saturday from 5pm to midnight, it stands as a specialised destination for those seeking innovative libations in a thematic setting.

Her Majesty's Secret Service (HMSS) is a boutique cocktail bar in Bristol's Clifton neighborhood with a playful 1950s spy-film aesthetic complete with dark wood paneling, vintage furniture, leather booths, and a distinctive entrance through a vintage telephone box. The sophisticated venue serves innovative cocktails presented in unconventional vessels such as Wellington boots and Chinese takeaway boxes, reflecting its mysterious espionage-themed atmosphere. Located on Whiteladies Gate near Clifton Down train station, HMSS has established itself as one of Bristol's premier cocktail destinations since opening in 2015. Booking is recommended, particularly for weekend visits, to secure a table in this intimate and theatrical setting.

The Library Bristol is an exclusive speakeasy-style cocktail lounge hidden behind a bookcase entrance, accessible by ringing a brass bell at the copper lamp door. Located on St Nicholas Street in Bristol's city centre, the venue comprises three distinct spaces including The Bar, The Cellar, and The Archive for private events, accommodating groups up to eight. The bar holds craft cocktails of notable quality, offers whisky pairing experiences and tasting menus, and provides reservations through SevenRooms with gift cards and subscription options available for enthusiasts.

Brozen Bar on St Nicholas Street specializes in cutting-edge frozen cocktails and alcoholic ice creams created using liquid nitrogen, combining science and invention with craft mixology. Founded in 2017 by twin brothers Joe and Ben, the venue pioneered Bristol's first liquid nitrogen cocktail bar, serving frozen cocktails in martini glasses enjoyed with a spoon. Standout offerings include the Passion on Ice, Raspberry Daiquiri, and Dark n' Sleety. The young, vibrant atmosphere propels frozen beverages into the future, making it an unforgettable destination for those seeking innovative, boozy treats perfect for warm weather or year-round indulgence.

Coal Kitchen at Cabot Circus is a cocktail bar and restaurant overlooking the atrium, featuring honest, homecooked food with a traditional English pub atmosphere. At its heart is the grill, searing and sizzling rump steak, marinated skewers, chargrilled chicken, and juicy patties to perfection, with signature offerings including beef burgers and fillet steak sandwiches. The venue offers an unbeatable three-course set menu at £15.95 per person, alongside regular cocktail-making classes, live music nights, and themed dinners. Coal Kitchen is part of a small chain with locations in Exeter and Gloucester Quays, providing casual, quality dining in the city centre.

Crying Wolf is a charming two-story cocktail bar on Cotham Hill in Redland, known for exceptional service and creative, seasonally-inspired drinks showcasing the best produce from the South West. The venue features handmade syrups, cordials, and shrubs made from locally-sourced ingredients paired with regionally-produced spirits, creating house cocktails praised by guests. The stunning decor includes low lighting, cast iron organic filigree banisters and table legs, and interesting artwork, creating an inviting and cozy dark atmosphere perfect for starting or finishing an evening. Opened in 2019, the bar earns consistent praise for knowledgeable staff, personalized service from bartenders, and reasonable pricing for quality drinks.

Gin & Juice is a vibrant cocktail bar on Park Street, Bristol, celebrated for its exceptional selection of over 450 gins and inventive mixology. The venue features distinctive eclectic decor highlighted by an intentionally unfinished wall, creating an inviting atmosphere for spirit enthusiasts. Signature cocktails such as Golden Hour and Let's Get It On showcase the bartenders' skill and passion, complemented by live jazz music performances every night. Located just five minutes from College Green and the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, this establishment has become a go-to destination for those seeking expertly crafted gin-focused cocktails in an atmosphere that balances sophistication with warmth.

Hyde & Co was a historic speakeasy-style cocktail bar located in Bristol's Clifton neighbourhood, renowned for its prohibition-era aesthetic and expertly crafted classic New York cocktails. The intimate basement venue featured distinctive décor with black paneling, deep orange lamps, vintage furnishings, and an upright piano adorned with eclectic artifacts, creating a cozy and clandestine atmosphere. Notable cocktails included Blue Grass, Curse of Canal Street, and Bonny Lass, each crafted with precision by the venue's skilled bartenders. The unlocked entrance and vintage ambiance transported guests to a bygone era of cocktail culture, making it an institution on Bristol's cocktail scene from 2010 until its closure.

Scarlet Lantern is an underground speakeasy offering intimate table service in Bristol's city centre, representing the second incarnation of the former Red Light venue. The boudoir-inspired interior features plush ruby-red seating, ornate golden mirrors, art-deco chandeliers, and a polished mahogany bar, with a striking four-poster bed transformed into banquette seating as a distinctive centerpiece. House cocktails, priced at £10, include creative offerings such as In the Clouds and Dancing on the Ceiling, complemented by ticketed events, tastings, and masterclasses. The secretive atmosphere created by a discreet entrance and carefully curated design makes this venue a destination for those seeking an immersive, theatrical cocktail experience.

The Boot Factory at Artist Residence is a vibrant dining and bar venue located within a Georgian townhouse and repurposed boot factory in Bristol's creative St Pauls neighbourhood. The space features floor-to-ceiling windows, original cornicing, vintage rugs, velvet armchairs, and textured stripped walls adorned with dynamic artworks by local and established artists. As part of the eccentric Artist Residence group—a family-run collection of design-led venues across the UK—the Bar offers weekend brunch, evening dining, and events in a lively, artistic setting. This 23-room boutique hotel's bar and café blend heritage charm with contemporary design, creating an accessible yet distinctive atmosphere for cocktails and casual dining.

The Milk Thistle is a sophisticated prohibition-style cocktail bar spread across four floors in Bristol's city centre, featuring stunning architecture and eclectic vintage décor throughout. The moody interior showcases dark wood paneling, glittering chandeliers, leather button-back sofas, and an array of curiosities including taxidermied animals and vintage alchemical prints. The bar comprises multiple spaces: a hidden vault, the main lounge bar, The Parlour, and The Attic—a private dining room ideal for special occasions. The cocktail menu features sixteen original drinks, predominantly spirit-forward prohibition-style serves with seasonal specials, created by bartenders trained in classic cocktail craft. Named one of the UK's top 50 cocktail bars, The Milk Thistle exemplifies contemporary cocktail culture with historical reverence.

The Raven is a clandestine cocktail bar hidden within one of Bristol's historic Old City buildings, accessed through an entrance above Four Wise Monkeys on St Nicholas Street. Created by the experienced team behind Hyde & Co and the Milk Thistle, the venue marries storytelling and mixology within a dim, warmly lit interior punctuated by vintage alchemical prints, mysterious vials, and whimsical artifacts that evoke an alchemical laboratory. The cocktail menu incorporates tarot card associations and utilizes exotic ingredients and house-made infusions for creative, thematic drinks. Regular live entertainment includes neo-soul and afro-jazz performances, while The Conspiracy—a private events space upstairs—accommodates up to 120 guests with its own bar and DJ capabilities.

Loose Cannon Cocktail Bar sits on Millennium Promenade at Bristol's Harbourside, offering an inventive approach to craft cocktails with creative character. The venue specialises in handcrafted drinks prepared by skilled mixologists, featuring unusual concoctions like Unicorn Tears with raspberry sorbet and orange flower water, and the Barrel of Laughs served in a miniature wooden barrel. The bar provides complimentary popcorn with drinks and bar snacks including olives, alongside a curated selection of craft beers on tap. The atmosphere appeals particularly to Bristol's social scene with its quirky personality and playful spirit, making it a vibrant destination for creative cocktails and good company in a harbour-side setting.

Filthy XIII is a bold and award-winning Bristol cocktail bar located in the vibrant Stokes Croft area, known for its non-conformist attitude and creative spirit inspired by WWII paratroopers. The venue combines edgy décor with a relaxed atmosphere, serving an imaginative menu of modern cocktails with inventive twists alongside classics, complemented by indulgent street-style food including loaded hot dogs and tacos. With standout drinks like the Lychee Martini and Absinthe Frappé, and recent recognition as Best Bar in the West at the Class Bar Awards, Filthy XIII positions itself as an outstanding independent destination for flavourful cocktails and convivial company.