Bristol’s best pubs for lazy summer days

With chillier climes on the horizon as September approaches, we’re all looking for ways to make the most of the wavering sunshine.

And where better to do so than while languishing in a beer garden or by the harbour with a cold drink in hand?

Here are the 10 best pubs in Bristol for lazy summer days.

THE HOLE IN THE WALL

A stone’s throw away from Queen’s Square, the Hole in the Wall offers relaxed drinking and dining in the environs of an 18th Century inn, with a beer garden ideal for people watching and overlooking the patchwork blanket of houses on the cliffs. The pub’s past is equally as colourful - it was named after a spy hole that enabled sailors and smugglers to keep watch for customs men and press gangs in the 1700s. Men would wake up bewildered after a heavy night to find themselves at sea after the pub became prime recruitment territory for the Navy. These days, revellers are drawn in by the Hole’s robust cocktail selection and tempura battered halloumi.

THE OSTRICH

Another boozer steeped in history, the Ostrich is built on top of smuggler’s caves and boasts a resident pirate skeleton in its entrance. But don’t let that scare you off - the pub’s vast harbourside terrace is the perfect place to make the most of the warm weather while taking in the pretty views of Redcliffe along with passing river traffic. Grub-wise, the pub offers Americana-inspired streetfood along with a range of British pub classics. Wash it down with a pint of award-winning Butcombe beer or a tipple from the pub’s bountiful rum menu - a nod to the Ostrich’s roots as a dockside inn where sailors, merchants and dock-workers drank in centuries gone by.

THE APPLE

If you like a cider in the sunshine, look no further than this beautifully converted dutch barge in the Old City. The Apple was recently towed to its Welsh Back home after undergoing maintenance work, and offers a wide range of ciders and perries that can be enjoyed either on the moored boat or cobblestone quayside. The fresh apple juice is a refreshing option for those who don’t drink alcohol.

LEFT HANDED GIANT BREWPUB

Relatively new to the Bristol pub scene is the Left Handed Giant BrewPub, a renovated industrial space housing a craft brewer on the river. Don’t expect plush seats when visiting this no-frills establishment -  do expect a huge range of beers, tempting pizzas and relaxing views over the water.

THE WHITE LION BAR

When it comes to stunning views over Bristol, you’d be hard pressed to find a better vista than that circling the White Lion Bar which forms part of the Avon Gorge Hotel in Clifton village. It’s home to one of the largest terraces in the south west, where al fresco diners and drinkers can take in the sights of Brunel’s Suspension Bridge and the hills of Somerset. A variety of gastro pub food is served from mid-morning, as well as a full range of drinks.

THE SPOTTED COW

This ‘country pub in the city’ has stood in the heart of Southville and Bedminster for more than 200 years, with a rich heritage dating back to the area’s agricultural past. The award-winning walled beer garden, which the owners have spent months sprucing up over lockdown, is a real suntrap. The food menu is abrim with locally-sourced produce, with fresh vegetables and meats from Somerset farms, and bread baked on the very same street.

THE FARM

The Farm is a canny option for those looking to escape to what feels like the rural countryside without having to leave the boundaries of the city. The family and dog friendly pub, sporting a rather impressive paint job, is nestled in the eccentric suburb of St Werburghs but attracts punters from all over the city thanks to its huge beer garden and free-spirited vibe. Inside, you’ll find artwork and murals by local artists along with quirky, cosy decor. Expect no-nonsense, but top notch, food including a cracking Sunday roast.

THE CADBURY

Also famed for its roasts and bohemian charm, the Cadbury boasts plenty of space to enjoy balmy summer days thanks to its walled beer garden bedecked with fairy lights. The hidden gem is tucked away in the back streets of Montpelier and popular with students and locals alike. Juicy burgers, hot dogs and loaded fries are the theme of the day when it comes to the menu, so look no further if you need to eradicate a hangover. Great vegetarian and vegan options, too.

NO. 51 STOKES CROFT

A buzzy watering hole known for its late nights and live music, with a courtyard to the rear offering an oasis to chill in on sunny afternoons. Here you can soak up a varied selection of beers, wines and ciders with delicious woodfired pizzas. Should the heavens open, you’ll find super cool and cosy interiors over two floors.

THE COTTAGE INN

Dating back to 1868, the Cottage Inn is a gorgeous wood-panelled inn once used by merchants for storing Baltic timber. These days, it’s a lively pub serving local ales and pub classics, with a focus on seasonal ingredients, fresh fish and seafood. The exterior is almost entirely untouched from the Victorian era with a dog-friendly beer garden overlooking the harbour.