The Student Guide: 10 Best Cocktail Bars In Bristol You Need To Try
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It comes as no surprise that Bristol is the prime location for cocktail bars – it’s literally renowned for having one of the most vibrant nightlife’s in the UK.
Maybe you’re studying here for uni, or just visiting your pals for the weekend? If so, cocktails are the best way to socialise with those you love outside of your luxury student accommodation in Bristol.
With the spooky season well and truly kicking off, why don’t you get yourself ready and indulge in some of the best cocktail bars in Bristol? You might just find some frightening seasonal cocktails!
So, what are you waiting for? Call your pals and tell them you’re going out tonight ‘cos this list is about to get juicyyyyyy.
1. London Cocktail Club
Contrary to the name, this cocktail club is in fact not in London.
Though it does have venues all over the capital city, they’ve blessed you with a bar right in Bristol city centre!
Boasting eclectic decor, feel-good music and succulent cocktails, this bar in Bristol is a must-visit when you’re here for uni.
Honestly, what more could you want than to enter a Neverland haven for Peter Pan’s after party? And yes, that is exactly how they describe it.
Oh wait, you thought it couldn’t get any better? Well, you’re wrong.
The London Cocktail Club even has a happy hour till 8pm EVERYDAY. Every, bloomin, day…jeeeeese we want to go now!
You can choose from absolutely loads of cocktails with your pals like our fave, the Roxanne with Vestal Raspberry and Blackcurrant vodka, raspberry liqueur, citrus and soda.
This place really is the place to be and they’re open till late all through the week, go see what you make of it.
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Address: 37 Triangle W, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1ER
37-39 Corn St, Bristol BS1 1HT
2. Riverstation
Riverstation is a stylish cocktail lounge, located on Bristol’s iconic harbourside, just a short walk away from the city centre.
Offering a stunning terrace and balcony with unrivalled views over the river, it’s no wonder locals, tourists and students flock here in the summer months.
It’s also great during the colder months that we’re sadly all too familiar with at the minute, with perfect views to take in the sunset – did someone say chilled vibes? They sure did!
Why not enjoy a delicious, yet classic Aperol Spritz? Or, maybe you’d prefer to get a coffee rush from their Espresso Martinis?
There’s a cocktail for everyone here within their expertly crafted list so, you’re bound to find one you’ll fall in love with!
If you love a good bottomless brunch, they take place here every weekend from 10am till noon.
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Address: The Grove, Bristol BS1 4RB
3. Pitcher and Piano
The ultimate spot for an appetizing cocktail along the riverfront!
Is it just us or does Bristol seem to have the most charming locations for all it’s cocktail bars?
Whether it’s bubbles and brunch or after uni drinks, Pitcher and Piano is the place to be.
It offers a huge selection of delicious classic cocktails such as the Passion Fruit Margarita, Peach Old-Fashioned and the iconic Pina Colada.
But, if you’re feeling fancy, you can delve into their house cocktails made especially for their bar.
A favourite for many is Tennessee Passion; a Jack Daniels based drink with passion fruit purée, ginger beer and lemon juice!
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Address: Canon’s Rd, Bristol BS1 5UH
4. Love Inn
Find Love Inn this quaint cocktail venue in Bristol…see what we did there? Yes, we’re cringing just as much as you don’t worry.
Inn all seriousness (it’s going to be a long blog…) we are obsessed with this small bar and if you’re a cocktail lover, you will be too.
It hosts regular live music nights, DJ sets and events for you to enjoy.
Our personal favourite has to be the Drag Queen bingo, or maybe the Breaking Bread comedy club.
Offering unique drinks, why not opt for The Raspberry Rip Off, consisting of Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Chambord, lemon juice, and sugar topped with ginger ale? We wouldn’t blame you.
There’s a range of signature cocktails and seasonal bevvies for you to try, go and see what’s on the menu and have a cute evening with your pals at The Love Inn.
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Address: Avon, 84 Stokes Croft, St Paul’s, Bristol BS1 3QY
5. Loose Cannon
Loose Cannon is a seriously stylish setting in which to enjoy some high-quality cocktails!
You’re not going to want to miss out when visiting this independent bar during term time.
We’ve honestly never seen a menu like it – how you’re ever going to decide on a drink here is beyond us!
What makes it extra special is that its staff members are experts in all things cocktails.
Think crazy garnishes, wild ingredients and even classic drinks that might not be on the menu…they’ll know.
A firm favourite from many is the Unicorn Tears and the Sugar Tax, so if you’re ever here for a night with friends, make sure to get one of them.
It’s not just the cocktails that are amazing here either, the atmosphere is great with a perfect combination of not being too loud or too quiet, so you can have a catch up with your pals and sing along to the mixture of tunes.
You may just stumble across an exciting event too like a quiz night or a karaoke night – yes please!
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Address: Unit 1b, 8 Millennium Promenade, Bristol BS1 5SZ
6. Flipside
For some of the best drinks in Bristol, you need to visit Flipside.
Nestled next to Clifton Down train station, this award-winning bar is a guaranteed good night for you and your pals.
It’s décor reminds us of an old-style speakeasy, with reclaimed furniture and comfortable seating.
This place offer an exciting range of lush cocktails for you to choose from which, in the colder months, you can enjoy from the comfort of their sheltered terrace area.
We suggest getting the Brizz Fizz, a delightful combination of Absolut vodka, elderflower liqueur & cordial with a lime topped with prosecco!
Or, if you’re in the mood for something a little different, why not get the seasonal Witchdoctor’s Margarita?
With Cazcabel Tequila Blanco, Ancho Reyes Red Chilli Liqueur, Cacao Blanc, lime, sugar, bitters and Chilli Salt…our taste buds are watering!
If you’re not a fan of cocktails (seriously why are you reading this post?!) then they offer an extensive range of craft beers along with other bevvies too.
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Address: 109 Whiteladies Rd, Redland, Bristol BS8 2PB
7. The Milk Thistle
The Milk Thistle is one of the best cocktail bars in Bristol and there’s no doubt about it!
Spread across four floors and hidden within the city centre, this hip prohibition bar might not appear like a buzzing venue at first (you’ll see what we mean) but it certainly offers a huge range of cocktails and a great atmosphere.
You’re bound to have an exceptional night out here with your besties.
The cocktail menu here is everchanging throughout the year and features season specials for you to sip on so, no two visits will be the same.
The best part is, their amazing bartenders are able to create pretty much any drink you can think of, all you need to do is ask!
Obvs, it would be brilliant to know you’re guaranteed a seat, but this busy bar is usually booked up so we’d recommend booking on their website and getting a space saved for you!
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Address: Quay Head House, Colston Ave, Bristol BS1 1EB
8. The Florist
Now this is an Instagrammable cocktail bar you NEED to visit whilst living in Bristol.
If you haven’t heard of the florist, then get to know!
Located on Park Street, in the centre of the city, The Florist is a friendly cocktail bar that believes in the fundamental principles of floristry, to charm each of the senses.
You can expect deliciously fragrant drinks and tasty food, that won’t disappoint!
One of our faves has to be the Raspberry Rose Sour, a mixture of Lanique Spirit of Rose, prickly pear liqueur, cranberry juice, geranium syrup and candy floss.
Other cocktails loved by all include the Ginny Hendricks and Electric Daiquiri.
Whilst they’re only open Thursday-Sunday, this venue is somewhere you really have to try out.
Their regular DJs will spin the tunes all night long on the weekends, you just need to bring the good vibes!
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Address: 69 Park St, Bristol BS1 5PB
9. Hyde & Co
There’s something about speakeasy cocktail bars in Bristol, there really is SO many don’t you think?
Hyde & Co has long been on the scene having been a late-night destination for students and locals in the city for over ten years, a good time is for sure promised here!
As you walk into the venue you’ll be surrounded by a dark mysterious candle lit interior with period furniture.
Trust us when we say, the atmosphere is something super different – but in a good way!
The guys and gals at this bar like to celebrate the weird, the wild and the delectable within their cocktail menu.
Does their Spellbound cocktail with Plymouth watermelon, peach, lychee, hibiscus tickle your fancy?
Or how about their Stolen Rose bevvie with Roku Reyka cardamom lime rose?
Whatever your tastes, explore the menu and see what unexpected drinks you can try!
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Address: The Basement, 2 Upper Byron Pl, Bristol BS8 1JY
10. Brozen Bar
Last but by no means least, Brozen Bar is a vibrant bar in the heart of Bristol City Centre.
If you’re someone who likes a frozen cocktail (they’re the best) then you’re in luck.
This place offers LOADS of sorbet cocktails like their Frosty Pornstar or their Gelato options such as their Arctic Grasshopper.
Just cos it’s not summer anymore doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a refreshing icey drink, eh?
The drinks within the extensive cocktail menu are different to any you can find elsewhere, despite being on the pricier side they’re well worth it!
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Address: 43 St Nicholas St, Bristol BS1 1TP
We hope you enjoyed this exceptional range of cocktail bars in Bristol for students and if you haven’t visited any of these yet then what are you waiting for?!
This weekend or after you’ve finished uni for the day head out and try our recommendations, don’t forget to tag us in any of your pics @prestigestudentliving.
If you’re a vegan or veggie living in Bristol, or if you’re someone who’s looking to try some tasty plant-based dishes whilst living here then have a read of our blog on the 12 Vegan Restaurants In Bristol To Pop On Your Bucket List!
[UPDATED 2022]
