Bristol's top spots for a graduation celebration

Bristol's top spots for a graduation celebration

Posted on: 18 Jul 2023

So you’ve graduated – this is a huge milestone in your life, and a period of transition from an amazing time in your life to something even better; you’re bound to have special people in your life you want to share this moment with, whether they be family, close friends, or fellow students.

So, if you’re looking for the perfect, most memorable place to have a special dinner – or enjoy a few celebratory cocktails in style – we’ve got you covered. Read on to find out where you’ll be basking in your achievements with the people closest to your heart.

Gatsbys

If you’re looking for the newest, hottest place to enjoy cocktails with a healthy dose of both class and fun then look no further. Gatsby’s is a semi-secret cocktail bar that has just opened halfway up Park Street.

As the literary title suggests, Gatsby’s trades off a fun & authentic 1920s aesthetic – complete with art deco murals, Chesterfield sofas and a piano in the corner. Just like Gatsby’s itself, the music is a harmonious blend of new and old – jazz classics and swing & jazz covers of all your favourite hits from across the history of rock and pop.

Whilst Gatsby’s deliver a range of masterfully crafted cocktails in the style you might expect, more adventurous drinkers might want to try their signature cocktails – served to share in a teapot, with teacups to drink from, in a nod to dodging prohibition by pretending to be a ‘tearoom’.

If you want to get ahead of the curve and check out a truly hidden gem in Bristol, this is the place to celebrate your graduation. Secure your booking through email here or by calling 07961 521538.

The Milk Thistle

Another legend of cocktails in Bristol is The Milk Thistle. Sister to Bristol’s ‘original prohibition bar’, Hyde & Co, the Milk Thistle is famous around the city for its exclusivity, wide range of inventive cocktails, sumptuously quirky décor – and its sheer size.

Listed as one of the top 50 cocktail bars in the UK, the Milk Thistle boasts four different spaces throughout its towering edifice, each with their own unique flavour and feel: the Attic, The Lounge, The Parlour & The Vault – available for booking individually or as a full venue hire.

If you’re interesting in experiecing the Milk Thistle for your graduation, get in touch here.

Hat Bistro

 

If you’re looking for something to eat, this cosy Greek restaurant is a definite must for any fans of Mediterranean food and atmosphere. With a variety of options, Hat Bistro can cater to a light pre-graduation lunch, or an intimate dinner service after the event.

Located on Denmark Street, Hat Bistro rubs shoulders with some seriously great bars & restaurants, all hidden just off the very centre of Bristol – grab a pre-dinner drink at Smoke & Mirrors, then head to Hat Bistro for delicious Moussaka, Kleftiko Lamb, Greek Salads and more, all alongside independent Greek wines sourced by Dionysos Cellars.

ABOE

Another new kid on the block that’s already taking Bristol by storm, ABOE (Or, A Bit Of Everything) is the brainchild of Sebastian Merry, a Michelin trained chef who cut his teeth working at some of the trendiest spots in Bristol. Serving Modern British Fusion food, Merry delivers exactly what the name of the restaurant suggests; a bit of everything.

Located just a jaunt up the centre on student-centric Whiteladies Road, expect inventive and tasty dishes like Burnt Butter Ravioli, Halibut with Miso & Hazelut Pesto and the suped-up “Fish N Chipz” – or just fill up on bread with Merry’s appropriately-named “Crack Butter”.

ABOE is perfect for the adventurous diner looking for a classy yet comfortable experience. Book your table here. 

COR

Another classy British fusion joint, COR is perfect for those looking to head south of the river for their celebration dinner.

Found just up North Street – one of Southville’s most lively, trendy streets – COR doesn’t just boast delicious global dishes like Mortadella Bologna, Cornish octopus with ‘nduja, or truffle and egg asparagus, it also has a truly dizzying array of painstakingly-selected wines thanks to its neighbour, Corks of North Street.

Book a place with COR on their website.

 

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Article by:

Patrick Bate

Patrick is a filmmaker with so much Bristol in his blood the white blood cells are graffiti'd. Educated at the Northern Film School in Leeds, he’s returned home to be a Videographer and Reviewer for 365Bristol and BARBI. When he’s not messing about with cameras, he enjoys playing guitar, spending far too much time on tabletop RPGs, and being an awful snob about cider. Have a look at his work here, or get in touch at patrickb@365bristol.com.