The Best Pubs
in
Bristol

Tucked away just a stone’s throw from Temple Meads, The Barley Mow is a proper little boozer with one of the best beer line-ups in town. With eight cask and ten keg lines showcasing quality local brews, plus a cracking range of wines and spirits, there’s something for everyone. The food is a real draw too, especially the legendary Sunday roasts and banging burgers served daily by Cord Kitchen. Bring the whole group—and the dog—to enjoy the outdoor seating and cosy, welcoming vibe that makes this place a true gem for any occasion.

If you're after a cracking Sunday roast in a proper local, The Plough Inn hits the spot every time. The vibe is always lively, with live music, a pool table, and a telly for the footie, making it a top spot for groups. Their hearty roasts come piled high with three meats, crispy Yorkshire puddings, and lashings of gravy, all at a price that won't break the bank. Grab a pint or a glass of wine outside when the sun's out and soak it all in.

Step into the Bag of Nails and you’ll find a wonderfully unpretentious local where friendly resident cats roam freely, often settling on a lap for a snooze. The beer selection is superb, with cracking choices like a hoppy IPA and a smooth vanilla stout, all at very fair prices. Quirky touches like a Lego competition or a pub quiz add to the charm, while the laid back vibes and genuinely warm staff make every visit feel special. It’s the kind of place that leaves you wishing you lived just around the corner.

Welcome to The Volly, a flowery little gem where Bristol’s unique spirit meets a warm, community-focused welcome. With their own brewery crafting delicious session bitters, a fantastic range of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus live music and sports on the telly, there’s always something to enjoy. The cosy, plant-filled indoor spaces and heated outdoor seating are perfect for groups, families, and four-legged friends alike—making every visit feel like a celebration.

The Bank Tavern is a legendary little pub that’s been standing since the 1800s, serving up award winning beers and Sunday roasts that have folks scrambling for reservations months in advance. Their legendary roasts are the real deal, with locally sourced ingredients and generous portions that leave you feeling like you’ve snagged a bargain. With live music, a weekly quiz, outdoor seating, and a dog friendly welcome, it’s a proper local gem where the staff are genuinely happy and the food is pure magic. Grab a pint of local ale or a glass of wine and settle in for a truly unforgettable meal.

A true gem in Clifton, The Alma Tavern & Theatre is a wonderfully versatile spot where you can enjoy everything from a top-notch Sunday roast to a stone-baked pizza, all washed down with an ever-changing lineup of beers, wines, and cocktails. Head upstairs to discover an intimate 50-seat theatre hosting live performances nearly all year round, or simply relax in the beer garden with your four-legged friend by your side. With live music, a welcoming vibe for groups, and five luxury en-suite rooms above the pub, it’s the perfect place to settle in for a pint, a show, or even a weekend stay.

Nestled on St Michaels Hill, the Highbury Vaults is a charming local dating back to the 1840s, complete with its original snug bar and leather bench seating. Step through to discover a beautiful hidden walled garden, perfect for enjoying a crisp summer spritz or a homemade sausage roll in the sunshine. With a fantastic selection of real ales, wines, and cocktails, plus board games and a friendly welcome for groups and dogs, it’s a delightful spot to while away an afternoon.

Get ready for a proper good time at Steam, a brilliantly quirky beer hall with one of the biggest covered and heated terraces in the city, complete with two party buses! They pour a huge selection of beers, ciders, and cocktails, making it a fantastic spot for groups, from a legendary quiz night to a bottomless brunch that keeps the drinks flowing. The service is absolutely top notch, with friendly staff ensuring every celebration feels special, and the prices are surprisingly great for the area. Whether you're catching live music, watching the sports, or bringing your dog along, this lively venue is pure fun from start to finish.

Down a cobbled lane, The Hope & Anchor is a proper local where the Sunday roasts are legendary, piled high with every side you could want and cooked to perfection. The staff are genuinely warm and attentive, making every visit feel like a catch up with old friends, while the generous portions and fair prices mean you’ll leave stuffed and smiling. With a cracking selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, a sunny outdoor patio, and live music that keeps the energy buzzing, it’s a welcoming spot for groups, dog walkers, and anyone after a top notch meal. Book ahead for Sunday, because this place fills up fast.

Right on the harbourside with stunning views across the water, The Cottage Inn is a historic pub dating back to 1868 that blends cosy interiors with a beautiful waterside beer garden. The menu shines with seasonal pub classics, especially fresh fish and seafood, all paired with award winning Butcombe beers, local ciders, and a cracking cocktail list. It’s a welcoming spot for groups, dog walkers, and sports fans alike, with outdoor seating that makes the most of its prime location near top local attractions.