City Centre Pubs in Bristol

Pubs & Inns in Bristol City Centre

Stop by one of our pubs in Bristol City Centre, close to popular attractions like Cabot Circus, The Harbourside, We The Curious and Bristol Aquarium, serving refreshing, award-winning Butcombe real ales, local ciders, and delicious classic pub meals.

THE OSTRICH

Bristol Harbourside’s Ostrich pub brings a whole new meaning to the word ‘watering hole’, with beautful waterside views, plenty of outdoor seating, first floor Top Deck bar and an impressive array of Butcombe beers with a dedicated rum menu – a nod to its nautical heritage. Located within walking distance of the city centre, why not stop by to sample the food menu, which is chock-full of mouthwatering modern twists on classic pub dishes, and find out for yourself why The Ostrich was voted Best New Pub in the 2020 Publican Awards.

THE BOWL INN

If you’re exploring the bustling city of Bristol, take a break at The Bowl Inn, situated in the outskirts to the North of the city, in Almondsbury. There’s nothing quite like an award-winning pint of Butcombe beer, but if you’re in the mood for a local South West cider, fine wine, or your favourite tipple, then sit back and enjoy a drink at The Bowl Inn. Feeling peckish? Sample the light bites and pub snacks, or go all-out with a classic pub dish, perfectly paired with your pint – ideal after a long day exploring Bristol’s City Centre.

THE COTTAGE INN

The Cottage Inn is where all the locals flock in Bristol when the sun is shining. Boasting waterside views, a pleasant terrace, a cracking selection of award-winning Butcombe beers and local ciders behind the bar, it’s easy to see why. On colder days, you can retreat inside to curl up beside the crackling open fire, with your favourite Butcombe beer in hand. Why not indulge with a delicious, locally-sourced pub meal, while you’re there? The perfect pick-me-up after visiting the city centre of Bristol.

THE RISING SUN

Located in historic Backwell on the outskirts of Bristol and a short drive from Weston-super-Mare, The Rising Sun is a beautiful pub and inn, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We’re passionate about great food and drink, with an all-day food offer focused on seasonal, locally sourced produce and hearty pub classics. Behind the bar you’ll find plenty of award-winning Butcombe beer and cider, and a wide range of wine and cocktails. A haven for families, walkers, cyclists and locals alike, The Rising Sun offers a huge beer garden with children’s play area, and large carpark – the perfect place to stop after a day exploring the city centre.

THE WHITMORE TAP

Catch the latest game on the big screen, soak up the sun in the courtyard beer garden, or simply enjoy a pint with your mates at The Whitmore Tap gastropub in Clifton, the heart of Bristol.
Treat yourself to the comforting menu, full of pub classics, perfectly paired with award-winning Butcombe beers behind the bar, served by the friendliest staff in Bristol. Just a short stroll from Bristol city centre, a visit to The Whitmore Tap is the perfect end to the perfect day.

HISTORY OF BRISTOL

While there is evidence of settlement from the palaeolithic era, the area of Bristol as it is today is believed to have been inhabited for around 1,000 years.

Originally known as Brygestowe, the city played an important role in the United Kingdom’s maritime trade for hundreds of years, and was once the second most important port after London.

In more recent years, Bristol has become a hub of innovation, with many world-famous inventions originating in this beautiful, forward-thinking city.

TEMPLE MEADS TRAIN STATION

Like Clifton Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Britain, Bristol Temple Meads was designed by the master engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

It opened in 1840 and initially offered journeys between Bristol and Bath, with the route to London Paddington becoming operational the following year.

Nowadays, the station has grown to become one of the busiest rail hubs in the country, with around 10 million passengers passing through each year.

ST MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH

A prominent figure among Bristol’s skyline, St Mary Redcliffe Church has welcomed Bristol’s worshippers for almost 1,000 years.

Being in close proximity to the port, merchant sailors would start and end their journeys at the shrine of Our Lady of Redcliffe, praying for a safe voyage for themselves and their fellow seafarers.

Nowadays the iconic edifice attracts visitors from all over the world, with it being widely regarded as one of the finest examples of gothic architecture in the United Kingdom.

BRISTOL OLD VIC

One of the city’s claims to fame, the Bristol Old Vic is the oldest continually-operating theatre in the English-speaking world. Located at the Theatre Royal, it opened its doors in 1766.

Much has changed during its 250 year history, with the theatre now associated with the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, whose previous alumni include Sir Patrick Stewart, Daniel Day-Lewis, Ray Stevenson and Jeremy Irons.

Nowadays, the Bristol Old Vic operates 6 days per week (closed on Sundays), showcasing a mix of theatre, dance, comedy and family-friendly drama.

BRISTOL HIPPODROME

Since opening its doors in 1912, Bristol Hippodrome has established itself as one of the finest theatres in the United Kingdom. With a capacity of almost 2,000, it is also one of the largest.

The finest shows from Broadway and London’s West End regularly tour here, while other genres of theatrical entertainment are also showcased.

Whether you prefer concerts, comedy, musicals or children’s shows, the programme of entertainment is both diverse and family-friendly.

ASHTON COURT ESTATE

Located just 10 minutes by car from the city centre of Bristol, the Ashton Court Estate started life as a deer park more than 600 years ago.

Extending to more than 850 acres, the estate includes woods, grassland and of course, the sprawling, Grade I listed Ashton Court mansion house.

While popular with visitors throughout the year, Ashton Court is most well-known as the venue for the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. It is one of the largest balloon fiestas in Europe, with up to 100,000 people gathering each day to watch as many as 100 balloons launch simultaneously.

THE MALL AT CRIBBS CAUSEWAY

The Mall at Cribbs Causeway started life as a humble shopping mall, but has evolved over the years to become a one-stop entertainment complex.

With over 150 stores, the primary focus is still on shopping, though visitors can also play a variety of games, watch movies at the state-of-the-art cinema or enjoy a snack or a meal at one of the many food outlets and restaurants.

Access to Cribbs Causeway is quite straightforward, with easy access via junction 17 of the M5. The site offers 7,000 free car parking spaces, so parking will rarely be an issue.

SPORTS TEAMS IN BRISTOL

Bristol has several sports teams, spanning football, rugby, cricket, ice hockey and more.

For the football fans, there is a fierce rivalry between Bristol Rovers and Bristol City, with supporters of the former traditionally being from the north of the city, while followers of the latter hailed from the south.

In rugby, the city is represented by Bristol Bears, who play in the Premiership division, while in ice hockey, the torch is carried by Bristol Pitbulls, who play in the NIHL National League.

FACTS ABOUT BRISTOL

Every city has weird and wonderful facts attached to it, with Bristol boasting some pretty decent bragging rights!

• Bristol is the largest manufacturer of hot-air balloons in the world
• The world’s first bungee jump took place at Clifton Suspension Bridge in 1979
• Ribena was invented in Long Ashton, initially as a flavouring for milkshakes
• The world’s first supersonic passenger plane, Concorde, was designed and built in Filton
• David Prowse, better known as Darth Vader from Star Wars, was born in Bristol