Cosy Pubs In Bristol

Sitting pretty in the village of Almondsbury in the far reaches of North Bristol, The Langford Inn is a characterful pub offering the warmest of welcomes. While the building dates back to the 12th century, it's been lovingly restored while retaining original features like thick stone walls, rustic beams and open fires burning logs to keep you warm in winter.

You'll find award-winning Butcombe beer, local cider and wine behind the bar and plenty of British meals with a gastro leaning coming out of the kitchen. Think Cornbury Estate venison steak, pie of the week, vintage Cheddar and swede souffle, cider-glazed bacon chop with St Ewe rich-yolk egg and chips, Sunday roasts and more across extensive menus.

Situated close to the university, Highbury Vaults is a friendly local pub that dates back to the 1840s. It maintains a traditional vibe with leather bench seating, dark green walls and a historic bar, where you'll find a great selection of ales.

This place appears in the CAMRA Heritage Guide and the Good Pub Guide 2024, so you know you're in good hands here. They've also got a selection of classic British bar snacks to enjoy with your pint.

If you're after comfort, character, and a cracking pint, The Whitmore Tap on Whiteladies Road has all three in spades. As Butcombe Brewing Co's flagship taproom, this spot feels like home for beer lovers, with the full range of Butcombe brews - cask, keg, and bottled - flowing.

Downstairs, settle into the warm glow of the bar, where the Robata grill fills the air with the smell of sizzling yakitori and hearty small plates perfect for sharing. Head upstairs and you'll find a relaxed dining room with a touch of rustic charm, serving up seasonal British dishes made with local ingredients.

A charming riverside destination in Hanham Mills, Chequers Inn is a top spot for cosying up with views of the Avon. There's a roaring fireplace inside, with rustic wooden furniture dotted around the living room-style pub.

There's a scrumptious menu to get stuck into, featuring the likes of heritage squash risotto, braised beef short rib and ale pie or cyder-battered haddock and chips - as well as a stellar Sunday roast.

Head to Lower Langford on the edge of the Mendip Hills, just ten minutes from Bristol airport, and you'll find The Langford Inn. Having stood since the 17th century, this village pub is one of the best near Bristol and has been awarded two AA Rosettes for great food, drinks and lodgings.

Drink Butcombe Brewery's own ales and beer, with a menu of seasonal food made with local ingredients to accompany. Steaks here are Aberdeen Angus and Hereford cross beef from Walter Rose, 35-day dry-aged on the bone using Himalayan salt, and coming as flat iron or ribeye cuts, while Sunday roasts are hearty and other favourites include ox cheek Wellington.

Found just a 10 minute drive from Bristol, on the banks of the River Avon at Keynsham Lock, The Lock Keeper is another cosy country pub that's worth a visit. Young's award-winning beers aren't the only draw here, since the decking area features glorious canopy heaters for cuddling up under the warmth while looking out over the huge beer garden.

Warm wooden tones and booth seating continue the homely feel indoors, while an eclectic mix of sprawling gallery walls and knick-knacks decorate the space of the Grade II-listed pub, which dates back to 1719. Food is similarly feel-good, including winter camembert sharers, grilled pork chop, and West country beef cheek mac and cheese.

For cosy pubs in Bristol city centre, look no further than The Ostrich, which is perched on the historic Bristol Harbourside - specifically, Bathurst Basin. With wooden walls, models of old ships and upholstered booths, it has an alpine cabin feel when you're using it to escape the biting cold. 

Menus are classically British though, with the likes of winter cassoulet, whisky-glazed short rib and seasonal fruit crumble warming you from the inside, out.

Home to classic gastro grub and British meals, as well as a charming space that includes original features like wooden floors, Victoria Park is a cosy pub that's sure to welcome you warmly. Found on Raymend Road near Bedminster train station, it's a place that's got sought-after Cask Marque approval, as well as everything from steak and caramelised onion sarnies to Sunday roasts on the menu.

Better yet, there's a dog-friendly policy, so that the whole family can enjoy a trip to the pub.

The Christmas Steps is a pub found on its namesake street in the city centre, where you can expect the log burner to be on in full force over winter, adding to the homely feel of glowing candles and exposed brick walls throughout. Established in the 1600s, it's a historical location that keeps traditional pubbing at its heart.

Guzzle your way through rotating craft beer and ale, showcasing the very best breweries local to Bristol. Local ingredients are also at the heart of food here, from pork belly and miso hot pot with roasted vegetables and crackling to braised beef-topped mac and cheese, and beer-battered haddock sandwiches. There's also a fantastic Sunday roast.

The Albion is a mainstay of Clifton Village, a stalwart with a long history from the 17th century onwards found in a Grade II-listed building. It first opened as a pub in the 1760s, although even before that it was stabling. Expect interiors to match the rich history, including exposed brick walls, original fire openings, beams, and rustic wooden floors and panelling.

Our favourite cosy spot for a group is the pictured nook booth, which feels like its very own secluded space - although you'll find plenty of other great places to perch throughout the venue. Autumn and winter food menus feature British grub galore, such as beef, mushroom and red wine pie, apple and maple-glazed pork loin, and Sunday roasts rated five stars by the Bristol Evening Post.