Bar 135 is our Bristol Business of the Week
Posted on: 02 Nov 2015Bar 135, on Bristol's Whiteladies Road, is a superb independent cocktail bar and late venue. Having still not reached its 1st birthday, Bar 135 has quickly gained a great reputation as one of the premier venues in Bristol for both fantastic drinks and a great atmosphere.
Open until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays - 2am Wednesdays and Thursdays - there’s no better spot for a late drink or full evening. A lively setting, they offer a wide array of cocktails and spirits as well as a handpicked wine, draught and bottled beer selection to cater for all tastes.
All of us here at 365 Towers are big fans of this spot. We spoke to Tom, of ownership duo Tom & Ben, to find out more about this rising Bristol star...
When did you set up Bar 135?
January 2015.
Are you from Bristol?
We grew up in Weston-super-Mare before moving to Bristol just before leaving school.
How's business?
Great. We’ve only been here a short while but we’ve managed to build some lovely groups of regulars as well as having new guests popping in every week.
Tell us about your business? What makes you stand out from the crowd?
We’re an independent in the true sense of the word. We’ve tried to stay away from the growing speakeasy-style of cocktail bars, offering a cosy, relaxed and friendly atmosphere with a great selection of cocktails, as well as lagers and wine. Our late licence is the only one on Whiteladies which enables us to stay open later than any of the other bars and restaurants on the street.
How do you find running an independent business in Bristol?
Bristol is a great city for independent businesses. I can’t think of anywhere else in the UK that actively encourages and supports independents as we do in this city.
Where do you like to eat out in Bristol?
Unfortunately we don’t get to eat out a lot but when we do we usually head to Nomu to satisfy our love of sushi and all things Japanese, or Bosco for a delicious wood-fired pizza.
They host an excellent monthly Open Mic Night
What's your favourite place in Bristol?
Avon Gorge - we love how green Bristol is and the gorge is perfect for demonstrating how nature and the city can run side by side. Also Ashton Gate at a Bristol City home game.
Where do you see Bar 135 in 5 years time?
Whiteladies Road. [OK, well played! - editor]
What advice would you give to any aspiring Bristol small business owners?
Talk to everyone around you - the great thing about Bristol is that everyone wants everyone to do well.
If you were Mayor of Bristol for a day which one thing would you change?
I’d introduce Independents Day on the 4th July.
For more info on Bar 135 please visit their website, Facebook page or Twitter account. You can also email enquiries@bar135.co.uk or call 0117 970 6589.
Bar 135 is located at 135 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2PL.