Relaxed restaurants and bars
Take it easy!
Wind down and enjoy your pint – or morning coffee – in one of our more relaxed pubs, restaurants and bars. Browse the paper in a comfy chair by the window and watch the world float by.
To relax in peace after a hard day, we recommend:
Avenue Cafe
Address: Avenue Cafe, 1 Queen Square
BS1 4JA
T: 0117 983 8384
Beware, come lunchtime the queue at Avenue Café will be winding out of the door. Should you wish to peruse the paninis displayed by the counter, linger over your coffee at a table by the French windows or indulge your desire to taste the cakes so temptingly laid out, you’ll need to get your skates on. Or, perhaps get on your bike and take advantage of the cycle racks by the front door.
Llandoger Trow
Address: Llandoger Trow, King Street
BS1 4ER
The fourth in a cobbled quadrangle comprising Bar Med, Bed and the Old Duke, the Llandoger Trow is an appealing prospect in traditional black and white. The inside does not disappoint with flagged floors, ornate fireplaces, cosy nooks and crannies and real books in the book case. Nab a comfortable window seat and admire the plasterwork on the ceiling. You can have daytime bites in the bar – to the reassuring accompaniment of Radio 2 – or enjoy a more leisurely meal in the upstairs restaurant.
O'Briens Irish Sandwich Bar
Address: 58 Baldwin Street
BS1 1QW
A cut above your usual café, O’Brien’s is proud of its gourmet coffee and handcut sandwiches. Located on a bustling crossroads, this is a pleasant place for lunch. Place your order, observe your sandwich being made and then grab a table by the window and watch the world go by.
Mackenzies Cafe Bar
Address: Ground Floor, W Shed Bristol Harbourside
BS1 5UH
T: 0117 922 5496
Mackenzies is a modern bar with big, well-worn leather sofas and chunky wooden tables. The extensive wine, beer and cocktail list means the only problem you will have here is choosing what to have first. With music in the background, loud enough to notice, but quiet enough that you don’t have to shout, Mackenzies is a great place to relax and catch up with friends old and new.
Bar Room Bar
Address: The Shed, Canons Road
BS1 5UH
T: 0117 929 4276
If you’re on the look out for a fun packed night filled with modern music, a great party atmosphere and surrounded by some of Bristol’s trendiest people, then a trip to Bar Room Bar is the place for you. The modern décor and furniture, add to the ‘cool’ feel of the place and not many people could resist one of BRB’s tasty pizzas.
Pitcher & Piano (Bristol)
Address: V Shed, Canons Road
BS1 5UH
T: 0117 929 9652
Bristol’s Pitcher and Piano is pretty much the same as all the others, and is the chain’s biggest venue. Whether you’re after a business lunch or a private party, the bar can cater for every need. Situated on the waterfront, the bar hosts a great seating area which is ideal for those long summer days and nights. If the weather’s not on your side, there are loads of comfy couches inside to make up for it.
BSB
Address: Canons Road
BS1 5UH
T: 0117 922 0382
With a modern, contemporary feel, BSB provides a great venue for afternoon drinks along the waterfront. It is in a great location – close to other drinking establishments and great for staggering into the local nightclub after last orders if that takes you fancy. The food available is your general ‘pub grub’ and the staff seemed genuinely friendly and pleased to serve you.
The Waterfront Pub
Address: Narrow Quay
BS1 4QA
A traditional pub with lots of character, it’s a great place to stop off at and warm up in on a walk around Bristol’s famous docks. When we took a trip The Waterfront Pub, there were only two people in the entire pub, yet it still took over 10 minutes to be served. Despite this, there is a nice atmosphere to the place and it’s quite cosy, just make sure you’re not too desperate for a drink when you go.
The Shakespeare
Address: 68 Prince Street
BS1 4QD
T: 0117 929 7695
Just a short walk from the harbour, The Shakespeare is another great pub to have a bite to eat and to warm yourself up on a winter’s afternoon. Outdoor seating means it’s also not a bad place to go on a summer’s day. The staff are friendly and welcoming and the clientele a mixture of business suits and more down to earth dress, which means wearing your walking boots will not make you stand out from the crowd.
Arnolfini
Address: 16 Narrow Quay
BS1 4QA
T: 0117 917 2305
A bold, vibrant café bar with an atmosphere to match. The menu offers something for everyone and food is served well into the evening. The café bar is part of the Arnolfini art gallery which holds a number of fascinating, contemporary exhibitions throughout the year.
The River Cocktail Bar & Restaurant
Address: 1 Canons Road
BS1 5TX
T: 0117 930 0498
As bars go, this one is quite unusual. With a contemporary feel, the bar is thin and long with a kind of maritime feel. Big leather couches make for a comfy afternoon looking through the huge glass windows at the river below. The staff are helpful and friendly and cater to their clientele’s every whim.
contact us
print page