There's plenty to do at Bristol Zoo and the Clifton Suspension Bridge is certainly a sight to behold. But if you want to get deep into the heart of Bristol, sampling its local cider and craft beers on a barge or in a pub, visiting the festivals and touring the breweries is one of the best ways to experience this amazing city. So, hop on a train with CrossCountry, as we explore the best pubs and bars in Bristol.
Best Pubs in Bristol
Hope & Anchor
Hope & Anchor is an unassuming pub located at the base of the famous Brandon Hill and Cabot Tower. Inside, you might encounter the odd group of students or local dog-walkers but it's outside that sets this apart from any other pub. Every inch of the stepped garden is decorated with colourful bunting, fairy lights, and greenery, creating the magical effect of an enchanted forest.
On tap, you'll find a range of beers and ciders from local breweries, including New Bristol Brewery and Bason Bridge Brewing Co. in Somerset. The pub hosts a range of events, from Tuesday quizzes to lively summer garden parties and picnics. During Bristol’s 2024 Pride celebrations, they even served special celebratory Sunday roasts, making it a favourite community spot for locals and visitors attending the festivities.
Walking to Hope & Anchor from Bristol Temple Meads will take visitors roughly half an hour, but it's a great opportunity to appreciate the city on your way, with free attractions like the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery and Cabot Circus Shopping Centre along the route. Alternatively, catch the number 8 bus to Triangle West and it's a five minute walk from there.
The Apple
Visitors can be forgiven for assuming that most Bristol pubs are located on dry land but this is a city that likes to push boundaries. Introducing The Apple: a floating cider bar. Set on a converted old Dutch barge, The Apple has sold more than one million pints of cider and is the perfect place for urban drinkers to unwind in what can only be described as Cider Central.
Served in bottles and on tap, as revellers sip their ciders, the surreptitious creaking of the boat adds character to the ambience. With a true pirate feel, you’ll be forgiven for attempting to spot some buried treasure in the Bristol harbour. The Apple is less than twenty minutes walking distance from Bristol Temple Meads or you can catch the 72 bus to Bristol Bridge and arrive in as little as ten minutes.
The Coronation Tap
Focusing more on its apple-based offerings than its barley-made cousin, The Coronation Tap is a cider house at the very top of its game. The venue itself is hundreds of years old, and since then has become a beloved institution in Bristol. Once inside, visitors are greeted with an impressive selection of delicious ciders, from classic scrumpy to unique, small-batches. The venue has really taken advantage of Someset's cider heritage too, with plenty of local varieties available to purchase or sample, including their very own Exhibition cider.
The Coronation Tap is located in Clifton Village, about half an hour by bus from Bristol Temple Meads. It's known by a variety of different names, including The Cori, The CoriTap, and The Tap, so keep that in mind if you want to feel like a real local.
Best Bars in Bristol
The Rummer
The Rummer has, astoundingly, been in business since 1742, and the pub itself since 1241! Over the centuries, it has been known by various names, including Abyndon in 1440 and The New Inn from 1565. However, we think The Rummer suits it best, and with nearly 300 years under this name, it seems here to stay. Unsurprisingly, with so much history, the spot has gained a few ghostly residents. Locals claim to have spotted the torso of a man by the fireplace and a phantom girl following closely behind him. It’s certainly a fitting stop on a spooky ghost tour!
The Rummer can be found in the bustling All Saints Lane, a seventeen minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads or an eleven minute bus ride.
Kongs of King Street
Kongs is the go-to for lovers of retro gaming. The pub's arcade will take you back to childhood, with classics like Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, NBA Jam, and Mortal Kombat. They also have a table tennis area for friendly competitions. The venue has a selection of craft beers and ales, creating a perfect opportunity for gaming and drinks with friends. With a really lively atmosphere, Kongs is ideal for those looking to relive nostalgic gaming moments while enjoying a fun social setting in the heart of Bristol's vibrant King Street.
There are a variety of buses you can catch to reach King Street in about fifteen minutes. Alternatively, take the opportunity to walk through Queens Square, surrounded by magnificent Georgian houses and lush greenery.
The White Lion Bar
The White Lion Bar in Bristol is a popular spot known for its panoramic views over the Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge. The bar can be found at the Avon Gorge Hotel and features a huge outdoor terrace. It offers a wide range of beverages, including cocktails, craft beers, and wines, as well as a selection of classic pub food. The relaxed atmosphere, combined with its pretty much perfect location in Clifton Village, makes the White Lion Bar a go-to spot for locals and visitors seeking some shopping and socialising.
The White Lion Bar is a bit of a trek from the train station, but if you're up for it, you'll be rewarded with plenty of iconic Bristol sights along the way, including the Bristol Aquarium and views of Brunel's SS Great Britain. For a faster journey, hop on the number 8 bus to Clifton Village, and it's just a six-minute walk from there.
How to get to Bristol by train
Bristol is easily accessible when you travel with CrossCountry. Catch a quick train from nearby stations such as Gloucester or Cheltenham Spa. For those travelling from further afield, there are direct services available from Birmingham New Street, Coventry, and Cardiff Central.
For those looking for a short break in Bristol, there are lots of great hotels - both affordable and luxurious. Stay at Number 38 Clifton for a boutique experience in a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse. This charming hotel offers stylish rooms, personalised service, and stunning views of the Clifton Downs.
Please note: CrossCountry is unable to support with any hotel related queries or booking requests. For further information, please contact the hotels mentioned directly.
If you’re planning to visit any of these beloved Bristol pubs and bars, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Abby