Bristol is well known as a city with a thriving food and drink scene, whether it’s posh restaurants, trendy bars or cosy local pubs.
Although many of these venues are located centrally and easy to find, there are plenty of ‘hidden gems’ dotted around the city.
Whether it’s a Redcliffe boozer that was once frequented by sailors or pirates, or a cider house squirrelled away among the shipyards of Spike Island, there are plenty of traditional pubs with a timeless look.
Here are eight of the best tucked away Bristol pubs, to be enjoyed individually or, perhaps, as the ultimate pub crawl.
5. The Golden Guinea, Redcliffe
Next to the former General Hospital - now upmarket apartments - The Golden Guinea is located just off the waterfront and thought to have once been frequented by sailors and maybe even pirates. Beers from Bristol breweries dominate the pumps and there is also a wide range of locally made canned and bottled brews. The pub is deceptively spacious with rooms downstairs and a lovely terrace that’s especially popular with the after-work crowd. 19 Guinea Street, BS1 6SX. | The Golden Guinea Photo: The Golden Guinea
6. The Barley Mow, St Philips
A five-minute walk from Temple Meads, The Barley Mow is tucked away in St Philips, opposite the 18th Century Jewish cemetery. Owned by Bristol Beer Factory, which saved the pub from demolition, The Barley Mow offers eight cask ales and ten keg beers as well as a vast range of bottles. A real fire in winter and a courtyard for the warmer months make this a pub for all seasons and the Sunday roasts are highly recommended. 39 Barton Road, BS2 0LF. | The Barley Mow Photo: The Barley Mow
7. The Highbury Vaults, St Michael’s Hill
With its cosy nooks and crannies, chocolate brown paintwork and traditional bar billiards table, The Highbury Vaults has a timeless look. Dating from the 19th Century, this is where condemned prisoners had their final meal before being sent to the nearby gallows on St Michael’s Hill. Landlord Bradd Francis has been running the pub for 27 years and he keeps the beers in superb condition. Look out for the model train that goes back and forth along one of the walls between the rooms. 164 St Michael’s Hill, BS2 8DE. | The Highbury Vaults Photo: The Highbury Vaults
8. The Orchard, Spike Island
Close to the shipyards of Spike Island and popular with Bristol’s boating community, The Orchard lives up to its name with over 20 ciders on offer. A simple, stripped back pub that was originally called The White Horse in the 1830s, this one-room cider house has been run by husband-and-wife team Sam and Steph Marriott for the past four years. The walls are adorned with several certificates from years when the pub won CAMRA National Cider and Perry Pub of the Year. Hanover Place, BS1 6XT. | The Orchard Photo: The Orchard