Features / best pubs
Ultimate A-Z student pub crawl
Pointing you to the best pubs Bristol offers, this A-Z crawl takes you through some of your new city’s hotspots and highlights. Read through before planning your next big night out in our new city.
A: The Apple
King Street
Located on a boat at the end of King Street, The Apple is a must visit for any cider fans. This pub has views of the river, a wide selection of craft drinks, and one cider at a whopping 8.4 per cent.
B: The Bag of Nails
Hotwells
At the Bag of Nails, you are bound to be welcome with some pawsome hosts – photo: Barbara Evripidou
Known affectionately as the ‘cat pub’, The Bag of Nails has board games, affordable drinks, and over a dozen friendly resident cats.
is needed now More than ever
C: The Cat and Wheel
Cheltenham Road
With a Wednesday student night, pool tables, a beer garden and so much more, Cat and Wheel is a staple of any Stokes Croft pub trip.
D: The Den & Terrace
Clifton
A go-to for societies, this pub has pool tables, karaoke, photo booths and more. Go for student drink deals or try out their beat-the-clock deal if you’re feeling up to it.
E: The Elmer’s Arms
Old Market Street
In the heart of Old Market, this pub has a life of it’s own – photo: The Elmer’s Arms Facebook
This small venue is a hidden gem in Old Market with a vinyl jukebox, live music and a great selection of beers.
F: The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer
King Street
One of the many joys of King Street, this pub has an unparalleled selection of local craft beers, a Sunday roast and a weekly pub quiz. Don’t forget to check out their “secret” roof terrace.
G: The Gallimaufry
Gloucester Road
Sitting in the middle of the bustle of Gloucester Road, The Gallimaufry is a great spot for beautiful cocktails, live music and cosy fairy light-adorned spaces.
H: The Hope & Anchor
Jacob’s Wells Road
Just off the Clifton Triangle and offering pub quizzes, a large heated garden and an enticing food menu, the Hope & Anchor is a brilliant spot to take a break from the library.
I: The Inn On The Green
Filton Road
With incredible menus, a large garden and a great selection of beers, this is one to take the family to when they visit the city.
J: Junction
Wapping Wharf
An outpost of Bristol Beer Factory, Junction is a great place to try out local beers, support independent suppliers, and take in the harbourside sights.
K: King Street Brew House
King Street
This pub has plenty outdoor seating, so you can feel the breeze as you sip on your pints – photo: King Street Brew House website
L: Left Handed Giant
Finzels Reach
In an impressive venue alongside the harbour, Left Handed Giant’s brewpub has an enormous variety of in-house beers. Take a brewery tour, enjoy the view and sample some stunning independent brewing.
M: Mother’s Ruin
St Nicholas Street
A late-night student classic, Mothers’ Ruin is open until the early hours of the morning and has a kitchen, live music, and an excellent selection of drinks. Try out a cocktail, or order a mystery shot if you’re feeling brave.
N: No.1 Harbourside
Canon’s Road
Situated next to the city centre and the Floating Harbour, it has student discounts during the week, and live music at weekends.
O: The Old Duke
King Street
With live jazz music every night of the week, The Old Duke is a staple for an entertaining Bristolian night out. Sit outside on King Street’s classic picnic benches, or enjoy a booth inside this cosy venue.
P: The Plough
Easton
It’s always full of life inside this pub in Easton – photo: Meg Houghton-Gilmour
The Plough is a legendary Bristol pub, embodying part of the local community and capturing the Bristolian spirit. With a rich timetable of events, live music and sports, there’s always a great atmosphere.
Q: Queenshilling
Frogmore Street
A vibrant bar and club near Bristol’s city centre, Queenshilling is a dedicated LGBTQ+ space, hosting regular events where you can dance your socks off.
R: The Royal Oak
Gloucester Road
With live sports coverage, an expansive food menu and discounts for their “Uni Crew” this bar is great for any student night out.
S: The Star
Fishponds
Guinness memorabilia stacked atop a sign declaring “No McDonald’s allowed” in the doorway sets the tone for this brilliantly independent Irish pub. The Star is full of character, with cheap drinks to boot.
T: The Thunderbolt
Totterdown
From music to pints, this place is great for students to socialise and unwind – photo: Mia Vines Booth
The Thunderbolt is not only a great place to grab a local pint or enjoy the beer garden, but it also hosts a wide selection of live music events. Settle down with a craft beer and check out one of the incredible bands who play here.
U: Under The Stars
Harbourside
For an intimate atmosphere, pizzas, tapas-style bites and delicious cocktails look no further than the Under the Stars boat.
V: The Vittoria
Whiteladies Road
Combining elements of a British pub with an American dive bar, Vittoria is a wonderfully unique venue with an unbeatable cocktail happy hour, Sunday roasts and New Orleans jazz music.
W: The White Harte
Park Row
An absolute staple for student discounts, pre’s, and uni societies, the White Harte has daily drinks deals, Wings Wednesdays and so many other great steals. Go for the cheap pints and stay for the pool tables, darts boards and weekly pub quiz.
X: X-mas Steps
The Christmas Steps
With craft beers, a famous Sunday roast and an abundance of fairy lights, this venue is a Bristol classic.
Y: Ye Shakespeare
Victoria Street
One of the oldest pubs in the city, this venue offers classic British pub food and a selection of real ales.
Z: ZeroDegrees
Colston Street
This microbrewery and restaurant at the top of the Christmas Steps has on-site brews, bottomless brunches and wood-fired pizzas.
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
