Home to sun-drenched terraces, cosy lounges and stoked wood fires, this city's boozers are the ultimate playground. Along with quirky watering holes, the West Country capital also knows how to knock out some traditional punter palaces steeped in historical charm and that all-important gastro grub. Dig in and enjoy our pick of the best pubs in Bristol.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 4th November 2025
A historic boozer that appears in the CAMRA Heritage Guide and the Good Pub Guide 2024, Highbury Vaults is a friendly neighbourhood destination. It dates back to the 1840s, located close to the university.
It maintains traditional interiors to this day, from leather benches to brick walls and dark green panelling. Sip a pint of cask ale, paired with hearty British bar snacks.
A blend of the contemporary and classic, The Horts boasts a menu of comfort food favourites, such as steak pie or beer-battered cod and chips. They also have a surprisingly large wine menu and a unique cinema room with Sky Sports.
The Royal Oak is a cosy pub located in Bishopston, where the chefs will take you on a gastro culinary journey. Expect dishes like sticky pork belly burgers, chicken or cauliflower wings and pesto linguine, with the real star of the show being their Sunday roasts. What's more, there's a pretty beer garden for the summer months.
When it comes to the best pubs south of the city, The Langford Inn, in the picture postcard village of Lower Langford on the edge of the Mendips and 10 minutes from Bristol airport, is the perfect pick. This 17th century traditional, countryside pub has charming wooden beams, a log burner and plenty of cosy corners, as well as a summertime beer garden.
A charming, country-style pub overlooking Bristol Harbour, The Cottage Inn has been serving the local area since 1868. What was once a storage facility for Baltic timber is now a friendly boozer complete with wooden beams and a beer garden, as well as a well-stocked bar serving craft beer, cask ale, wine and cocktails.
This cosy destination is also great for a meal, thanks to an extensive menu of classic pub fare. Think fishcakes with cider-braised leeks, gammon, egg and chips or Jerusalem artichoke risotto, as well as succulent Sunday roasts.
Located on the iconic Bristol waterfront, BrewDog Bristol Harbourside is the ultimate place to relax, enjoy great food, and sip on exceptional drinks. Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing craft beer from BrewDog, a unique cocktail from BrewDog Distilling Co., or just a casual bite, this vibrant pub has something for everyone.
With a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, you can enjoy the view while indulging in delicious food options like gourmet burgers, wings, and vegetarian and vegan dishes. Plus, with their dog-friendly policy, even your four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.
The best of Bristol Harbourside pubs, The Ostrich is found right on the Bathurst Basin with views over the water. This dog-friendly space has cosy interiors and a summer-only beer garden with the Portside BBQ serves up delicious street food, as well as being home to live sports and music. Think award-winning beers, ales and cider on tap too.
Come rain or shine, you can always rely on the Anchor in Bristol for a good time. Not only can you play pool and catch some live sports at this Gloucester Road gem, but you also make the most out of the warmer weather in the beer garden.
Looking for a new haunt to head to in Bristol? The Cider Press might be your place. Get ready to enjoy comfort eats such as sourdough pizzas or nachos, while choosing between their long list of draught ciders, craft beers.
For your next night out, it's worth checking out O'Neill's. Not only does it sling out scrumptious grub, but also a buzzing ambience. Plus, the venue promises non-stop entertainment, from sports viewings to live music.
For those of you after pubs on Bristol's harbourside, The Stable is a top choice. Take a seat on its swoon-worthy terrace, where you'll get to take in the pretty water scenes all before chowing down on signature sourdough pizzas and choosing from over 80 varieties of cider.
Brewhouse & Kitchen is ideal for after-work drinks, quick lunches and hearty dinners. These folks also offer some of the freshest pints in the city from their on-site microbrewery, along with a range of vegan and veggie-friendly dishes. For the best pubs and bars in Bristol? This one is a winner.
Beer aficionados, take note, as The Whitmore Tap is Butcombe Brewing Co's very own taproom, and it's every bit as good as you'd hope. Sitting proudly on Whiteladies Road, this two-storey gem pairs exceptional pints with seriously good food.
Downstairs, expect lively pub vibes and a tempting line-up of bar snacks, small plates, and sharing boards hot off the Robata charcoal grill. Upstairs, things take a more refined turn with a menu celebrating the best of British produce and seasonal flavours. Whether you're here for a perfectly pulled pint, a hearty meal, or a laid-back evening with friends, The Whitmore Tap proves why it's one of Bristol's best pubs.
When it comes to watering holes in the city, Gloucester Road Ale House is a firm choice. Not only does this drinking den have plenty of space to catch all the sporting action, but it's also home to tasty grub. After a bargain? Opt for pizza and a pint for £10.
Located only a short walk from Keynsham station, The Lock Keeper is well worth going the extra mile for. With stunning waterside views, delicious Sunday roasts and even its own petanque pitch, it's one of the best country pubs near Bristol. For a breath of fresh air? It's a must-visit.
Inspired by the fictional character Fast Eddie Felson, this wonderful Bristol drinking destination has a delicious variety of eats up for grabs. Step inside Felson's for the 'Cue Balls Out' burger which is topped with a melt-in-the-mouth skewered meatball kebab.
Situated in the heart of Fishponds, The Old Post Office is one of the best pubs in Bristol for food. Enjoy lunch deals for £5.49, chicken wings and juicy burgers, alongside a wide range of spirits and freshly pulled pints.
Victoria Park is - unsurprisingly - named after the nearby green space of the same name and found on Raymend Road, not far from Bedminster station. This warm and welcoming boozer is not only dog-friendly, but does a crackin' trio of roasts and lamb shank in a red wine jus, as well as everything from scampi to steak and caramelised onion sarnies.
Plus, this traditional boozer is Cask Marque accredited, so you'll get top quality real ale here too.
Wondering where to drink in Bristol? The Mall has got you covered all year round with cosy interiors for winter days and a glorious three-tiered outdoor terrace during the summer months. If you're thirsty, you can expect a host of artisan spirits, craft ales and fine wines.
Looking for the best traditional pubs in Bristol? Located on Gloucester Road, close to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Flyer is a real gem. Flaunting wood panelling, period features and a fabulous British-inspired menu, this drinking destination is a real triple threat.
A heavyweight on Bristol's drinking scene, The Spotted Cow is home to kitsch interiors and chic stylings. But it's not just a pretty face. With a glorious beer garden out back and delicious roast dinners, it's no wonder that this is a regular punter pit-stop.
A colourful hub in Bristol, Green House is a top choice for cheap drinks and sports screenings alike. You can also enter this venue for its weekly quiz nights or its fun-packed bottomless brunch every Saturday and Sunday.
For mouthwatering pub grub, venture to The Hole in the Wall. Located on The Grove, this 18th-century venue has a delicious variety of plates to get stuck into, from maple-glazed slow-cooked pork belly and scallops to pan-fried seabass.
For a pub in North Bristol, Almondsbury's The Bowl Inn is a top choice. This historical countryside pub is full of charm and even has a two-tiered summertime terrace for all your sunny day drinks. This dog-friendly joint also sees you tuck into hearty seasonal dishes, alongside the usual award winning ales, beers and ciders you'd expect from Butcombe Boutique Inns.
Found within Hanham Mills, Chequers Inn is a riverside pub that boasts an idyllic view of the water. This charming destination boasts a cosy fireplace for the winter and a sunny terrace that's great in the summer, with rustic wooden furniture throughout.
As well as a huge selection of beer, there's a hearty British menu on offer. Think baked Somerset camembert, Wiltshire pork rib eye, chestnut mushroom pappardelle and so much more.
Serving up relaxed sips during the day and party vibes when the sun goes down, No.51 Stokes Croft is one of Bristol's best pubs. Get your fix of burgers, pizzas and wings before DJs take to the decks and things are taken up a notch.
If you're seeking the best pubs in Bristol city centre, The White Harte is one of our favourites. This dog-friendly hub is kitted out with HD screens for those live footie or rugby viewings, alongside a small patio space for when the sun's shining.
Know your way around a craft brew? We've got a funny feeling that you're going to love this brick-laden basement den. Home to hundreds of different craft beers, The Beer Emporium has a bottle shop and a hot-to-trot menu making for one of the best gastropubs in Bristol.
After pubs in Bristol near you? The Apple is devoted to all things cider. Housed on a converted barge boat, this drinking den is located in the Old City and has a gorgeous waterside alfresco terrace for you to enjoy those rare sunny days.
The Albion is charming locals and tourists alike with its enchanting countryside-style interiors and welcoming atmosphere. Along with classic nosh and a great back bar, the joint also has a spacious outdoor terrace for summertime drinks.
Local craft brews, live DJ sets and a renowned Sunday roast are all on the menu at this adorable watering hole. Come summer, The Christmas Steps' spacious outdoor courtyard becomes a popular weekend hangout amongst families and late-night revellers.
Known for its lip-smacking pub food and pretty garden space, Punchbowl Alehouse and Kitchen is a great stop-off in Bristol. Our top dish? It has to be the pie of the day or the chickpea curry accompanied by mango chutney and toasted naan.
The Royal George in Thornbury is a perfect place to delve into tasty food. Nab an outdoor table to dig into a cheesy button mushroom bruschetta, all before eating a sticky pork belly burger. As for drinks? Expect wine, beer and spirits.
