Something A Little Different In Bristol

From a cider bar on a boat through to a secret MI6 cocktail bar, there's no shortage of something a little different when it comes to a Bristol night out. Check out our recommendations for the quirkiest and coolest places in Bristol and ditch the 'boring' pronto.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 10th November 2025




Alcotraz Bristol: Cell Block Two-Two-Six

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Bristol on Various dates from Friday 5th December 2025

Whether you're after a quirky date idea or a group night out to remember, check out Alcotraz in the city centre. This is more than just a cocktail bar, it's a theatrical experience, complete with live actors playing guards, inmates and wardens.

There are several bootleggers and moonshiners that have been locked up with you, and if you smuggle in a bottle of liquor they'll create four bespoke cocktails for you. Don your orange jumpsuit and head to your cell, but be sure to look out for the warden along the way.

Bake It! Bristol

@ Bake It! Bristol on Various dates from Friday 5th December 2025

Ideal for couples and groups of friends, Bake It! is Bristol's first ever baking experience. This is done in pairs across 12 fully equipped baking stations, where you'll compete against the other teams to create the very best cake.

You'll get 90 minutes to mix, bake and decorate your cake, aiming to be crowned the winner. Tickets start from £44, including all the ingredients and equipment you need, and you'll leave with a tasty cake to take home.

Blame Gloria Bristol

Party like an icon over at Blame Gloria's Diva Brunch which brings together fierce performances, a cracking DJ playing dance tracks and killer grub. Equally as tantaslising, the Power Ballads Brunch promises killer throwbacks and a drag-drenched affair.

Replay Bristol

2-4-1 cocktails & board games

Replay on Cheltenham Road is a standout spot where you can enjoy cheap drinks without sacrificing quality or vibe. This quirky bar and café offers something for everyone, from daytime coffee and casual games to lively craft beer nights. Perfect for anyone seeking a relaxed but fun space in Bristol, with plenty of events and private hire for all your social needs.

Treetop Golf Bristol

WOW! Double the fun! Add another 18 holes for only £6 per Guest and 1 other offer

If you're on the hunt for something totally unexpected in Bristol, Treetop Golf is the ultimate escape from the ordinary. Set within a lush, immersive jungle world, this indoor mini-golf experience turns any gathering into an adventure.

Whether you're conquering the Tropical Trail or exploring the Ancient Explorer course, you'll find plenty of surprises along the way. Pair your round with drinks and bites from Pizza Cabana for a night out. Perfect for quirky dates, offbeat nights with mates, or group outings that break the mould.

Active Reality Bristol West

Ditch the same old routine and leap into the future. Active Reality Bristol West at Parish Wharf in Portishead offers a mind-blowing virtual reality adventure with a breathtaking waterfront view. Just a hop away from Bristol, this spot blends the excitement of immersive VR with the chill vibes of Portishead's scenic marina.

Try Our Easy-To-Use Table Search Engine

Want more? Use our new search engine so you can choose between 1000s of venues all across the UK from quirky cocktail dens to gorgeous restaurants. To top it off, you'll earn rewards every time you book through DesignMyNight, which can be spent on cool events and experiences.

Coyote Ugly Bristol

Fancy joining the World-Famous Coyotes for a night of wild fun? Then head down to Coyote Ugly Bristol in College Green, where the party never stops. You can enjoy an hour-long dance lesson every Saturday, costing just £15 - including a mimosa reception.

That's not all though, as they host Nashville-themed bottomless brunches every single day of the week. Starting from just £25 per person, you can enjoy 90 minutes of unlimited pizza, prosecco or beer.

The Bootlegger Bristol

HAPPY HOUR 🍸| £8 Cocktails | £4 Bottles of beer | £18 Bottles of wine | £20 Bottles of prosecco

After something a little different? Then be sure to check out The Bootlegger located on Gloucester Road for a fabulous evening of bevvies in the stunning 1920s-inspired venue. Think vintage light shades, exposed brickwork and a crackin' selection of cocktails that are bound to impress. 

Jaded Dragon

Happy Hour - £6.50 for ALL Cocktails and 2 other offers

Jaded Dragon is Bristol's go-to destination for anyone looking to step off the beaten path. The bar's exotic drinks menu revolves around Baijiu, creatively combined with tropical ingredients and bold flavours into one-of-a-kind cocktails.

Whether you're exploring Lucky Wednesday all-night happy hours, or just looking to shake up your usual night out, Jaded Dragon guarantees something unexpected and delicious every time.

Daisy's

Situated within the buzzing Clifton Triangle, Daisy's is the place to be for a quirky night out. This retro venue is filled with bold, colourful decor, from the checkered floor to the pop art murals lining the walls.

Expect non-stop throwback tunes throughout the week, with a 4am closing time Monday to Saturday. There's an extensive drinks menu to choose from as well, with a daily happy from 8 to 10pm.

Escape Hunt Bristol

Looking for an alternative event? Forget the usual day out and have a go at this quirky escape room, where you'll be able to choose from a variety of games. You'll need your best crew for this one, so prepare for an adrenaline-pumping 60 minutes.

YO! Sushi School

If you're after quirky activities in Bristol then YO!'s classes are just the thing. Taking place on Wednesdays, the event sees you tuck into gyozas on arrival, practise your knife skills and whip up four delicious sushi items.

Barbara's Bier Haus Bristol

There's no need to hop on a flight to experience all the fun of ski season. Barbara's Bier Haus brings a taste of the après to the Bristol Harbourside.

With live music, beer towers, steins, hot dogs and schnapps, you'll soon feel like you're celebrating another successful day on the slopes. Need a little more entertainment? Head down on Thursdays for bands, Mondays for karaoke or Sundays for Barbara's Boozy Quiz.

Sixes Cricket Bristol

If you want to ditch the usual bar scene and try something a little different, Sixes Cricket is the place to be. This innovative venue combines social sport with delicious dining and drinking, offering a truly immersive experience.

Take on the ultimate batting challenge in one of the four nets, no matter your skill level, and then settle down to enjoy a menu bursting with flavour alongside expertly mixed cocktails. With massive screens showing the latest sporting events and picturesque views of Bristol Harbour, Sixes brings a fresh, energetic vibe to your night out that you won't find anywhere else.

The Apple

Bristol's bar scene is full of interesting and fun bars, but none are quite as different as The Apple. An old dutch barge has been converted into one of the city's most popular watering holes which serves a massive selection of cider.

Steak of the Art

Steak of the Art is not your average night out in Bristol as it combines amazing art work with world-class steaks. Located on Cathedral Walk, the spot has amazing interiors, including suspended paintpots pouring paint and an illuminated bar.

The Clockwork Rose

Get ready to be immersed into a whole new world at this quirky and cool bar in Bristol. The Clockwork Rose is run by the illusive Captain, hear his story every time you order a cocktail or rummage through his trinkets that decorate the bar.

Thekla

An oldie on the alternative night out scene in Bristol, Thekla is a rowdy club on a converted cargo ship. Head to the Mud Dock Area for pop club nights out and clothes markets over weekends.