Pub Gardens, Beer Gardens and Roof Terraces in Bristol | Summer 2022
Posted on: 31 May 2022Discover Bristol’s amazing selection of outdoor drinking spots.
Whether you’re looking for a serene sun trap, a secret walled garden, or a busy dockside boozer, Bristol is the perfect spot for some sunny summer drinks.
The city boasts a diverse range of pubs and bars with all manner of outside spaces, and with a double bank holiday weekend on the horizon and summer just a few weeks away, we're turning our attentions to the very best of them.
Read on for a rundown of some of our very favourite spots, and be sure to get those tables booked to avoid disappointment!
Friday + Sunshine = Top Deck????.
— Grain Barge (@GrainBarge) May 27, 2022
Come and ease into the weekend with us… pic.twitter.com/9i9owhrQAM
Bambalan
Beacon Tower, Colston Street, BS1
Perfectly situated in Beacon Tower overlooking Bristol’s bustling city centre, Bambalan boasts a stunning rooftop terrace with a beautiful view across the city.
As well as a seasonal cocktail menu, draught beers and an extensive wine list, they also have a vibrant Mediterranean inspired menu on offer. Perfect for a warm summer evening.
The Ostrich
Lower Guinea St, Redcliffe, BS1 6TJ
Sat impressively on Bristol’s beautiful harbourside, The Ostrich has a massive riverside beer garden in addition to its cosy interior.
While still steeped in history, the pub’s roots are as a dockside inn where sailors and merchants once drank, and it now boasts a Portside BBQ kitchen and heated all-weather tepees.
The Old Market Assembly
25 West Street, Old Market, BS2 0DF
Once home to a bank and now housing a theatre and bar, Old Market Assembly may be seen as a surprising addition to this list.
However, in the summer, the West Street venue open their fantastic rooftop terrace, complete with stunning sunset views over the city.
Arnolfini Café Bar
16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA
A busy harbourside has long been a familiar sight for Bristol in the summer, with locals filling the borders of the quay for al fresco drinks in the sunshine while hanging their legs over the water as boats float serenely by.
Something that has made this experience just that bit more pleasant in recent years is the Arnolfini Café Bar. In partnership with the ever-popular Bristol Beer Factory, the bar stocks a range of beers, ciders and more as well as offering a shaded seating area.
The Cottage Inn
Baltic Wharf, Cumberland Road, BS1 6XG
Another astonishing location here; The Cottage dates back to 1866 and offers a classic pub menu focusing on fresh fish and seafood.
Within walking distance of several key Bristol attractions, customers can sit and watch the hustle and bustle of the docks from the harbourside steps outside the pub.
The White Lion Bar
Sion Hill, Clifton, BS8 4LD
Part of The Avon Gorge Hotel by Hotel du Vin, this bar boasts perhaps the best view in Bristol.
Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine (or anything from the extensive drinks menu) on the sweeping terrace while taking in the panoramic view down the Avon Gorge – Suspension Bridge and all.
The Farm
Hopetoun Road, St Werburgh’s, BS2 9YL
Just around the corner from St Werburgh’s Farm (hence the name), the garden of The Farm is like stepping out of the urban sprawl and into the peaceful countryside.
Enjoy a Sunday roast or a local beer while taking in the farm-themed mural that covers the pub.
The Highbury Vaults
164 St Michael’s Hill, BS2 8DE
Part of the busy strip of pubs and bars running up St Michael’s Hill, The Highbury Vaults attract a wide range of customers from students to lecturers, to doctors and nurses.
Step through the pub’s cosy interior and into the hidden walled garden – soak up the sun while enjoying a pint from their colossal ale selection.
The Cornubia
142 Temple Street, Redcliffe, BS1 6EN
Nestled just off Temple Street, The Cornubia is one of Bristol’s best-kept secrets.
With an impressive selection of Real Ales from all over the UK, this dog-friendly boozer features a charming, secluded garden that host frequent BBQs in the summer months.
Flipside
109 Whiteladies Rd, Redland, BS8 2PB
Flipside is well located within the hustle and bustle of Whiteladies Road and offers a weekly cocktail making masterclass. Perfect for a night out on the town on a hen party or stag do, the bar possesses a spacious covered, and heated, back garden.
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Clifton Observatory
Litfield Rd, Clifton, BS8 3LT
The beautiful Clifton Observatory not only boasts an amazing view but also the amazing 360 café.
As well as serving hot drinks and savoury snacks, the recently renovated rooftop bar is open to all visitors (including dogs) as well as being available to hire for private events.
King Street Brew House
13 Welsh Back, BS1 4RR
This urban style city centre pub is complete with its own microbrewery and has an extensive seating area located on the cobbled street corner of King Street – one of the city’s most iconic streets.
The Brew House features a selection of guest craft beers from the Westcountry, across the UK and beyond.
The Grain Barge
Hotwells Rd, BS8 4RU
Converted from an engineless transport barge and moored in Hotwells, Grain Barge is now a relaxed and friendly bar serving fresh, locally sourced food and a range of local craft beers.
Head to the top deck for a stunning panoramic view of the harbour or the side of the barge for a quiet, water-level drink.
The Spotted Cow
139 North St, Bedminster, BS3 1EZ
Situated amidst the South Bristol hub of North Street, The Spotted Cow boasts a rich heritage going all the way back to Bedminster’s agricultural past over 200 years ago.
The pub benefits from a sprawling walled beer garden in the rear and serves one of the best roasts in Bristol.
The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer
17-18 King St, BS1 4EF
Another King Street pub and another ‘secret’ rooftop bar, The Famous Navy Volunteer is more commonly known as ‘The Volley’.
The rooftop space is complete with an astroturfed beer garden and a TV for live sports – they also have extensive seating out the front.
Old Lock and Weir Inn
Ferry Rd, St George BS15 3NU
If it's peace and quiet that you're after, the Old Lock and Weir Inn should certainly be among your first choices of destinations. Located on the edge of the meandering River Avon, the pub's expansive outdoor space offers unparalleled access to a real West Country beauty spot.
The Open Arms
24 St Michael’s Hill, Bristol, BS2 8DX
Previously known as The Colston Arms, this cosy establishment is within walking distance of both Bristol Uni and the BRI.
As well as showing live sports and hosting regular events, the venue has a beautiful, flowery beer garden – a true sun trap hidden behind high walls.
Crofters Garden
7 Ashley Rd, Montpellier, BS6 5NH
Set up by popular independent venue Crofters Rights during the pandemic, Crofters Garden (located just over the road) not only serves a fantastic range of bottled and draught beers as well as delicious pizza from the nearby Ray’s Pizza.
Steam Bristol
Clifton Down Station, Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, BS8 2PN
The second venue on the list that is situated amongst the hubbub of Whiteladies is Steam Bristol. The bar's large outdoor area (perfectly located alongside Clifton Down Train Station) is a firm favourite of both Clifton locals and Bristolians in general.
A quirky and unique space, Steam boast bookable tables, live sport and famed bottomless brunches.
The Knowle
Leighton Rd, Knowle, BS4 2LL
Perhaps one of the lesser-known spots on the list, The Knowle is a gastro pub at the heart of a community, serving up high standard dishes and an array of local beers – perfect to be consumed in their spacious beer garden.
Lakota Gardens
6 Upper York St, St Paul's, BS2 8QN
Lakota Gardens were a breath of fresh air in an otherwise difficult year for Bristol's nightlife scene in 2020, showcasing an array of renowned DJs, local promoters, live musicians and comedians.
The venue already has a busy summer schedule already planned, including their 30th birthday celebrations, featuring the likes of Norman Jay, Roni Size and many more exciting acts.
The Lazy Dog
112 Ashley Down Rd, Bishopston, BS7 9JR
Boasting a cosy, inviting interior as well as yet another sun-trap pub garden out the back complete with ample covering in case the weather turns, The Lazy Dog is one of our all-time favourite pubs.
Appropriately given the name, this is a dog-friendly boozer with a friendly bar team, a combination of top-notch craft beers, classic cocktails, hearty pub grub and even South African street food.
The Volunteer Tavern
9 New Street, BS2 9DX
Not to be confused with The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer, The Volunteer Tavern dates back to 1870, and today, its beer garden sits enclosed by Grade II listed walls shaded by London Plane Trees.
It's got all the features of a great pub garden: homemade bunting; colourful lights; cosy, covered seating areas. All of which come together to transport you away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
The Gloucester Old Spot
138-140 Kellaway Ave, Horfield, BS6 7YQ
Colourful bunting, fairy lights and a play castle for the kids: The Gloucester Old Spot is a charming pub with a spectacular garden. It's a real family-friendly local complete with great pub grub and a sought-after Sunday Roast.
In terms of spacious, inviting outdoor areas they don't come much better than this, making The Old Spot a firm favourite amongst both locals and those based a bit further afield.
Have we missed one of your favourite Bristol watering holes? Do you run a local bar and feel like your venue should be included on the list?
Get in touch with us here and we’ll be happy to make amendments to the list.
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Stan is a born and bred Bristolian, recently graduated from studying English Literature in Sheffield. His passions are music and literature and he spends the majority of his time in venues all over the city, immersing himself in Bristol’s alternative music scene. A lifelong Bristol City fan, Stan’s Saturdays are spent watching his team both home and away.
