When the sun is shining, nothing quite beats a pint or meal at a waterside pub, whether it’s next to a river or overlooking Bristol’s floating harbour. And with a sunny Balloon Fiesta weekend, what better time to visit a few waterfront venues?
It might be a much needed cold beer after a long walk or a Sunday lunch with family and friends, but there’s something especially relaxing about the sights and sounds of a river in the background.
As a city divided by the River Avon and floating harbour, there are plenty of waterside pub options in Bristol and many are so close to each other, it’s quite possible to visit a few during a well organised pub crawl.
Here are nine of the best waterside pubs in Bristol and if we’ve forgotten your favourite let us know and we’ll add it.
5. Lost & Grounded Tap Room, Whitby Road, Brislington
Part of the brilliant Bristol brewery Lost & Grounded, this cool riverside tap room opens Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. As well as a full range of beers and lagers brewed on the premises, street food is also served. Children and dogs are welcome too. | Lost & Grounded
6. Beeses, Wyndham Crescent, Brislington
Still one of Bristol’s best-kept secrets - despite being there since 1846 when it was a tea garden - Beeses is a wonderful riverside bar with a terrace and garden quite literally on the water’s edge. The burgers are worth the trip, as is the Bristol Beer Factory ale. | Mark Taylor
7. Old Lock & Weir, Ferry Road, Hanham
Nestling alongside the River Avon at Hanham Mills, this traditional pub has a large beer garden and is well known for its real ales and ciders, as well as classic pub dishes. | Google
8. Chequers Inn, Ferry Road, Hanham
On the banks of the River Avon, the views from beer garden at the Chequers Inn are stunning but there’s also a log fire if you visit in the colder months. | Google